Harold Gene Henderson

Harold Gene Henderson was born on September 22, 1932 to Pauline Woods in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised by extended family on their farm in Lamar County, Texas. At the age of 14, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his aunt, Lavada Ferguson, and attended Los Angeles High School. He joined the army in 1952 and served in theKorean War. Upon his return, he found his first love, Marilyn Bartlett, and the two married in 1955. Though thisrelationship wasn’t permanent, they did raise two childrentogether, Aaron and Gina.

Harold was a smart and hardworking man. He worked his way through college, attending the University of Southern California where he studied for 2 years, and finished his college career at California State University, Los Angeles. In 1963, he received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and went on to work as an engineer for companies like McDonnell Douglas, RCA AstroElectronics, and General Electric.

Later in life, Harold reconnected with an old family friend, Pauline Patterson-Wortham. The two fell in love and, in 1989, they married and moved to Paris, TX to be near her family. While he hated to be so far from his family in Los Angeles, Harold made sure to get plenty of quality time with all three of his grandchildren, Darrion, Aaron and Courtney, who would often spend several weeks during the summer months at his Texas home. His grandchildren reminisce on those summer memories to this day.

Upon the untimely death of his wife, Pauline, Harold moved back to Los Angeles to be closer to family. He was a proud Trojan and overall Los Angeles sports fan, especially basketball and football, and enjoyed being able to watch and discuss these games with his son and grandson. He would rarely miss a game and quickly settled into a routine of Church and football on Sundays.

Throughout his life, Harold was always a ladies’ man. This was brought on by his charm and great sense of humor. One of his favorite quotes was: “put ya number on the paper cuz I would love to date ya” (Jay-Z). But his appreciation for the ladies translated into a big soft spot forthe women in his life. Some say he showed favoritismtoward his daughter and granddaughter…but this is unconfirmed.

Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Harold quietly departed this life on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, while resting in his daughter’s care at her home in Altadena, CA. He was 90 years old and lived a full life.

Harold will be lovingly remembered by his son, Aaron Henderson and wife Lisa, daughter Gina King; grandchildren, Darrion Osby, Aaron Henderson Jr. and wife Claudia, and Courtney Henderson; great-granddaughter, Naya Henderson; dog, Coco; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline Henderson (d. 2017); first wife Marilyn Henderson (d. 1998); mother, Pauline Woods (d.1973); sister, Ocleeda Harris (d.1966), aunt Creedeola Woods (d.1984), and two dogs, Ziggy and Zoe.