Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord Walter Henderson Jr was born June 7, 1950 to Walter Henderson, Sr and Lona Mae (Shelton) Henderson in Sioux City, Iowa; South Sioux City Nebraska; or most recently found, Dakota, Nebraska. The story was, he was born at home, and his grandmother, Susie Shelton, cut the cord. Mother and baby were transported to the hospital which was across the bridge in Nebraska. which was where the birth was registered. Shortly after, the family moved to Des Moines. Baptized at an early age, Walt was always a church kid. The whole family attended St. John Missionary Baptist for many years under the leadership of Reverend Joe Gaines. It was there that the family's musical talents were realized. With mom, Lona playing the piano and all the children singing, they became a popular group for musicals, church programs and "Old Ships". The stand out vocalist was "Little Walter Henderson". He sang on Bill Riley's Talent Sprouts and at the Iowa State Fair for many years. The family moved their membership to Shiloh Baptist Church, under Pastor William Heath. Walt was a choir member, Sunday school teacher and Jr. Deacon. Years later he was formally ordained as a Deacon at this same church. He also met his future wife there. Walt married the love of his life, Donna Douglas (his former Sunday school student), in 1972, at Shiloh Baptist Church. They loved and cared for each other for 53 years,7 months and 1day. Walt attended and graduated from Des Moines Tech High school where he participated in the job training program. He graduated as a tailor working at Frankles. He interrupted his career to enlist in the Army in 1969. He was sent to Okinawa and served 3 years as an MP, before being honorably discharged in 1972. He re-enlisted in February1973 and he and his new family all went to South Korea for a year to complete another three year tour. Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD builds the house they labour in vain that build it…, As the years went by he became a Master Tailor and worked for several stores; Forman & Clark, Men's Wear Outlet, JC Penny's, K & G Men's Wear, and finally Dillards. He also had several of his own tailor shops through the years. If it had a stitch in it he could fix it. Walt and Donna lived in Atlanta from 1979 to 2000 when they moved to Iowa to establish Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home. Donna was the licensed Funeral Director and Walt was the Operations Manager. They built the business from scratch to 200+ families served per year. He loved driving the lead car for services; or limousine for weddings and birthdays. He had a gift of connecting with people and helping them laugh, even when they were hurting. I Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work Walt was always active in church. He rejoined Shiloh and served as a Deacon until becoming a founding member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in 2010. At the end of the pandemic, Walt joined Corinthian Baptist church. He served on the Deacon's Ministry, as President of the Central District Deacons Association, and President of the State Deacon's and Laymen's ministry. He loved good preaching and choir singing. Throughout his life he attended state and national church conventions where he made countless friends and connections. Walt enjoyed eating, so he enjoyed cooking. Proficient in grilling and barbeque, he also knew his way around the stove. He was a die -hard Falcons fan. He enjoyed attending games in Atlanta, and wore his Falcons hat in defiance when they had a horrible season, He loved traveling and visited Australia, London, Bimini, Paris, Denmark and the Bahamas. Walt loved a road trip and drove his cars till the wheels came off. Family was all important to him. He loved cooking and organizing big family meals. Having all the grands, greats and his siblings around made him especially happy. His parents died when he was young and he was determined to be a presence in the young ones lives. Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him and honor him A courageous warrior, Walt fought his battle with cancer for almost four years. He died peacefully February 1, 2026, with family around him and his faithful wife holding his hand. His last words were,"Donna, we had a good run and lived a good life. I have no regrets. Now, I'm going on, to wait for you". Loved beyond measure we all will remember and cherish his presence in our lives. Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep Walt was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Susie Shelton; the aunt and uncle that raised him, Alice and Al Morris; his brothers, Thomas, John (Shirley Banks) and Joseph Henderson; and sister, Edna Henderson; his cousin/brothers, Melvin Davis and Duwayne Shelton and his in laws, AJ and Violet Douglas. Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Walt leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Donna; children, Ronnica (Vincent), Walter III, Ramier (Temara), Alaiya (Khigh) Shotwell and Phylicia Henderson; grandchildren, (Here we go ), Taylor (John) Evilsizer, Gabriel Manning, Andrew Willis (Arionia), Alana (Carson) Smiley, Alan Willlis, Tysen (Brianna) Henderson, Shemar Sims (Danielle), Devin (Alyssa) Henderson, Jaida Henderson (Aaron Blackhawk), Isaiah and Armonie Henderson and 17 great grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters, Joann (Gene) Rose, Susie (Louis) Patton and Lori Brooks; brothers and sisters in law, Elder Keith Douglas, Alan (Zendia) Douglas and Marcus (Joan) Douglas, and Gina Douglas; bonus daughters, Sameria, LaKeyshia and Martell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins (the Hannahs and Bradley's), church family and friends all over the country.