Martin Charles Henderson

Mr. Martin Charles Henderson, affectionately known as Duck, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 24, 2024; his loving family was by his side. The family patriarch was blessed to live 88 years of a wonderful life.

Duck was born on March 24, 1936, in Olmstead, Illinois to the union of the late Minnie Boyles Henderson and the late Algerine Cecil Henderson Sr. The family eventually relocated to South Bend, Indiana where Duck attended Washington High School, and the former South Bend Central High School. On May 18, 1956, he was united in holy matrimony to Helen Sessom Henderson who preceded him in death on October 5, 2014.

Duck’s employment history included a combined period of 50 years to include the City of South Bend’s Bureau of Sanitation Department and a supervisor at the St. Joseph County Highway Department. He retired from the Highway Department. He held part time positions as the doorman at the former Y-Knot Shack and the former AMVETS Post #66. Duck was a member of the Senior Men’s Club at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, where he faithfully prepared breakfast for the members. He really enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family and close friends. He also enjoyed going to the Lake Reunions and attended every reunion.

Duck lived a Christian life and was baptized at Community Mennonite Church under the leadership of Pastor Daniel Stoltzfus and continued his membership under Pastor Owen Taylor. Duck eventually made his church home at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ricardo Taylor. At Mount Carmel he faithfully served on the Usher Board and sat at the door and warmly greeted worshippers and visitors.

Duck leaves to cherish his loving memory four daughters, Linda (Leon) Arthur, Rosalind “Robin” Henderson, Darlene “Doll” Henderson-Brown, and Denise “Prissy” Henderson; two sons, Martie (Andrea) Henderson and Kenyth Henderson; 22 grandchildren, two of which he and Helen raised: Latrice (whose husband is LaRue “Pooh Bear”) Petty II and Marquese “Quesey” Henderson all of South Bend; 59 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; four sisters, Bonnie Henderson of South Bend; Gretta Henderson-Jones, Patricia Dean and Veronica Henderson, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; two brothers, Thomas (Cynthia) Henderson of South Bend and Carl (Paula) Riley of Kokomo, Indiana; special nephews, Algerine Henderson III, Marcus Henderson and Michael (Patricia) Henderson all of South Bend; a special  brother-in-law and close friend, Joe (Liz) Sessom; a God daughter, Tearsa Broadnax; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents and wife, Duck was also preceded in death by four children, Leonina and Dawn Henderson, Charlotte Henderson-Witt and Daniel Henderson; one grandson, Michael Boyce, Jr.; six siblings, Charlotte Henderson, Doris Henderson, Leonard Charles Sutton, Algerine Henderson Jr., Ronald Henderson and Anthony Henderson.

Duck was a soft-spoken man who was very kind and compassionate. He happily shared words of wisdom and always offered encouragement. His love and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 37:23

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