Derek C. Henderson Sr. was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, co-worker, and a beacon of life for those who truly got to know him.

Derek was born in Los Angeles, California on August 11, 1964, and preceded to glory by his parents, Harvey and Yvonne (Ardoin) Henderson. He grew up in Los Angeles where he graduated from Verbum Dei, High School. After high school, Derek enlisted into the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Hood, in Fort Hood, Texas. His MOS was 72Echo -Communications Operator. While in the Army he fell in love with a girl that stayed on the same block on the same side of the street, four houses apart named Gabrielle. On December 28, 1983, they were married and stayed married for 38 blessed years.

Derek always had a love for music and if you saw him, you would see him with headphones on his head jamming to his tunes. He even had a DJ set up in which he would sometime entertain others at parties or just fine tuning his skills by himself. No matter what as long as he had his music playing, he was in his happy place. Later on, during his 38-year marriage, Derek and Gabrielle had their first child, a son name Derek C. Henderson Jr. That was the start of their family. Later they had two daughters, Quana Danielle Henderson, and Alyssa Janell Henderson. Now their family was complete. Derek loved his family and his children. He always strived to be the best dad he could be and most of all show his children just how much he loved them.

Derek also had another love and a passion for airplanes and his 1982 (5 speed) Ford Mustang GT, 5.0 V8. While working in Texas Derek went to A&P School and received his certifications to become a A&P Mechanic. Derek was good at it. He contracted all over and gained knowledge and lots of skills to become who he was as an aircraft mechanic. He would tell me that he could not think about retiring because he would not know what to do if he could not "Smell Jet Fuel". Derek just loved working on airplanes and any type of planes. He also loved helping the young up and coming aircraft mechanics if given the opportunity, to teach them and show them his many years of experiences. He had so much patience and would not get upset if he had to reshow someone over again just how to do something. That was my humble husband.

His second passion and love were his sport car. His 1982 (5 speed) Ford Mustang GT, 5.0 V8. We bought that car before my son was even born. I learned how to drive a stick shift in that car. This car has been all over the place. It was our only transportation at the time. It was our saving grace. This car carried us from one A&P contract job to the next. Needless to say, it got tired and Derek was in the process of restoring it. It was his vision and dream to see and hear those 8 ponies roaring but instead God needed him home with him. The restoration that he started will continue to completion, as me and my family have vowed to get it restored so that Derek can see and hear all of his 8 ponies roaring. I am sure he will really be one of the happiest men in heaven.

Derek C. Henderson Sr., leaves behind a wife of 38 years Gabrielle M. Henderson, Derek C. Henderson Jr. (Son), Quana D. Henderson (Oldest Daughter), Alyssa J. Henderson (Youngest Daughter), Tyree E. Henderson (Oldest Grandson), Braylon K. Henderson (Youngest Grandson), and Aria Naveayh Henderson Bun (Granddaughter), Jacquelyn Weaver (Sister), Gwendolyn Hunt (Sister), Darryl Henderson (Brother), Audrey Henderson (Spouse), Jason Henderson (Brother), Sherrese Henderson (Spouse),  and a host of family and friends.

The family would like to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and condolences. May God continue to bless you and keep you in his loving arms.

A Message from Chris' wife Gabrielle:

Champion, Challenges, and My Love Who Never Quit!

Derek and I at a young age grew up on the same side of the street, four houses apart. We didn't socialize growing up. But I would I see him and the other guys playing football in the street. That didn't faze me at the time. It was not until one summer when the kids in the neighborhood would come to my house to play the board game called life. I started noticing that Derek would start showing up, not to play the board the game of life, but to observe us playing it. I also noticed that he would sit next to me with his headphones on, as he loved listening to music.

As the summer moved forward, we began to talk and that's when I learned that he loved to spin records and had his own DJ set up. I also loved music. This gave us plenty to talk about. Besides I played the flute and the piano in middle & high school.

One thing I did notice about Derek was what a gentleman he was. I remember our first date. Derek drove this gray Cordova, and when he picked me up, I started to open the car door and he says to me "No, I will get that for you". Needless to say, I was impressed because that was never done for me before. I knew right then that he was a keeper.

On our date, we went to the movies in Westwood and dinner afterwards. We had such a great time. That was the start of our long-term relationship.

Derek then went into the Army. After his first-time home on leave, Derek asked me to marry him. I was much honored and of course I said yes. A year later on December 28, 1983 the man and the love of my life, became my husband. I was so blessed, very happy and excited to be called Mrs. Henderson.  I felt like I had won the biggest lottery jackpot ever!

During our marriage, three years later we had our first child, our son, Derek Henderson Jr. The grin on Derek's face, the cutting of his son's umbilical cord, and being able to name his son was such a beautiful moment in both of our lives. Two years later we had our first daughter Quana Danielle. And Derek was acting like the cat's meow.  He had his package. A son first and a daughter last. Three years later, we had our youngest daughter, Alyssa Janell. Derek again was thrilled. Now he had his three children, which he spent a lot of time with. Derek was pouring out a lot of love. Derek was a true family man. He made sure his family was taken care of. He was our champion and we made sure he knew it. We showered him with love just as he did for us.

Derek had many challenges that not many had known about. One thing that he and I had between each other was this special love.  We knew we loved each other. Derek was the love of my life and I was his. No marriage is perfect. But at the end of the day, we knew that no matter the tests, trials, or tribulations, along with faith and prayer, we knew God would bring us out and into the Promised Land.

Derek had many medical challenges & issues; however, he never let that get in his way of wanting more in life. And out of life. Not many knew that Derek needed a heart & kidney transplant. No matter how much Derek may not have felt good, hurting, not really able to walk, Derek pushed himself to show up for work, and would work a 12-hour night shift. Then three days a week right after work he would have to go to a dialysis clinic and be stuck twice with large needles in order to get his treatments.  This took 4 hours. Not to mention it would take energy out of Derek.  But Derek my husband never complained and always pushed to give 100% at work.

Derek did not want any sympathy.  All he wanted to do with whatever time he had left was work on two things. One was to work on airplanes which he loved. And the second was to restore his 1982 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8.

Derek was for sure my one and only true love. We had many ups and downs. Medical, financial and other life challenges.  But with the love we had, and with faith that God had instilled into us we weathered a lot of storms. Conquered a lot of challenges, and the best part is that I would not let Derek quit and he did not want to quit!

No one knows how hard it was for Derek to keep going on a daily basis. But I was for sure my husband's best support system during those hard times, hospital times, transplant rejection times, job loss times, traveling from state to state for jobs & testing; I would make sure he would hear me say "It will work out. Keep the faith. Remember Hebrews 11:1".

You see when it came to my husband, my love of my life, Derek Henderson Sr., I loved him to his core unconditional love "Agape Love ". It's the kind of love that God loves us with.   Finding a love so precious and unique.  So much love that you don't want to be apart and you don't have to second guess yourself.  You know right there; you have found your one and only true love.

Derek, God blessed us to be together for 38 years. Not long enough if I say so myself. But I know there is a place called eternity. A place called forever. A place called togetherness that time will never separate us ever again. That place is called heaven.  Until God calls me and my wings are perfectly made for my adornment, Derek, my husband, my love of my life you rest and enjoy all that heaven has to offer. One day I will be with you and we can continue our love affair in a place called heaven.

Miss you and love you so very much Derek!!!!

Gabrielle Henderson

Forever Loving Wife

A Message from Chris' daughter Alyssa:

Hey daddy,

I'm going to miss you so much. I know you had to leave to gain your wings. I will always cherish the lessons you taught me. I will forever remember your laugh and how funny and loving you were. I love you daddy.

I miss you and love until I see you again.

Love Alyssa(Cakes)

A message from Chris' daughter Quana:

I want it to say -

Hi dad Im gonna miss you me and aria we love you very much and we are both sad your not here to see her grow up but I know you looking down on her watching her everyday

Love, your baby girl .

Quana and Aria

A message from Chris' sister Gwen:

Chris,
You were my first experience having a younger sibling, which was awesome! I was so excited to
see you for the first time, and I instantly became mom's best helper. You were so cute and
always hungry! Watching you grow up and enjoying all the additions to our family was
interesting yet sometimes challenging. I became the protector, nurturer, and mom's expert
assistant in helping to raise you and our brothers. I appreciate your listening to me and following
my bossy yet SMART lead without resistance. You were quiet most of the time, even with your
great sense of humor. Throughout the challenges you experienced in life…you never
complained. You never expressed making the wrong choice or decision about anything. You
always maintained your passion for your hobbies, held your head up high, and refused to let
anyone or anything take the peace and joy out of your heart! Your style was steady, and you
became a wonderful man…I LOVE you so much, Chris, and I'm going to miss not being able to
call you and hear your peaceful voice.
Love your wonderful sister, Gwen

A Message to Chris from his sister Jackie:

To my beloved brother Chris. I'm so blessed to have had you for 58yrs. I have so many fond memories of us growing up. I miss you but you will always remain in my heart. My fondest memory was when I used to run and jump in your arms! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You are in great company!  Kiss Mom for me.  Rest easy my brother.  From Your Big Sis, Rick and the kids. Love you always!

A message from Chris' friend of 45 years, Manuel:

My name is Manuel and I have known Chris for over 45 years. We both grew up on 3rd avenue in Los Angeles California. Growing up, we always played in the front yards on our block. We flew kites and had a very fun childhood.

As we grew older, I have always remembered Chris and his brother Craig always attended private schools, which kept them away from a lot of the rift raft of the inner city. It was not until our last year in high school he and I attended Dorsey High.

As Chris and I grew older, and we began raising our families, our one connection we always maintained was a love for fast cars. Chris has kept his 82 Ford mustang GT to this day. As we grew older, we both found careers working in the Aerospace industry. I build the tools that are made for the airplanes. The tools also actually help maintained the airplanes that Chris traveled the country and worked on. Chris was very good at it.

I have always known him to be a very proud father, husband, brother and son.

Chris was a very good friend even though we didn't see each other a lot, he will be dearly missed.

The Homecoming

Welcome Home My Child, My Son
Your work on earth has been well done.
You have been a witness to many while on earth
And you've shared the story about the miracle birth.
You never hid the fact that you loved Me.
You shared the Word no matter what the need be.
You spoke of Me often to family and friends.
And you showed how faith can strengthen and often mends.
You did your best to always give glory to Me
And for this, you will live eternally.
And now the time has come for you to rest;
I'm taking you home as My special guest.
Welcome home my daughter, My child, My son,
Your work on earth has been well done.