Jay L Henson Sr., age 84, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Brookhaven Health Care after a short illness. He was born August 14, 1926, in Seymour, MO, to Charles and Ica (Fleetwood) Henson. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean conflict. Racing and trucking were Jay’s two passions. Jay owned and operated Henson Trucking for many years. He loved racing at the area speedways, driving and later owning several cars of his own. Jay owned and operated Henson’s Bolivar Speedway for one year. Jay was a member of the Ozarks Area Racers Association, he was inducted in to their hall of fame as a pioneer in 2003.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles A. and Ica F. Henson; his beloved wife of fifty two years Beulah (Boots) M. Henson ; one son Ty Henson; and infant daughter Terry; two brothers Charles and Johnny; and many other loved ones who went before. He is survived by two daughters, Olettia Aguinaga of Lake Havasue AZ. and Debi Young of Springfield, MO; one son, Jasper (Bud) Henson Jr. of Springfield; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren ; one foster sister Mary Ray of McCord Bend MO; and a host of friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO with Mr. Mark Amorose officiating. Burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Childrens Hospital. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.