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Terry H Henderson

February 8, 1939 - April 6, 2021

Dr. Terrance Howard Henderson, “Terry”, passed away on April 6, 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 82. Terry was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor and world-traveler. He is remembered by all who knew him as a kind and generous man. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved to entertain others with stories of his many adventures. 

Terry was born February 8, 1939 to Howard and Lucille (Kraft) Henderson in Correctionville, Iowa. After growing up on the family farm, Terry went on to earn advanced educational degrees attending Wayne State College, the University of Nebraska, and Oklahoma State University. At OSU Terry received a Doctorate in Psychology and worked for many years as the Director of Counseling for students. As a counselor and clinical psychologist Terry touched and enriched many lives with his counsel and friendship. After his tenure at OSU, Terry founded Performance Dynamics, an organization designed to help small or large companies foster better communication skills and team-oriented goal setting for personal and professional settings. Working as an educational consultant and motivational life coach with companies like Toshiba and individual performance coaches like Tony Robbins, he was able to incorporate elements of the Ropes Course in his teachings and therapies. 

While at Wayne State College, Terry met and later married Judy (Leddy) Henderson. Together, they lovingly raised two children: Kari and Michael. He treasured having Michael working at his side on the Ropes Course Pole Teams as they traveled the world. He was a proud grandfather to Kaitlyn and Kelsey. In the course of his travels, he always made sure to acquire culturally unique dolls from around the world for his granddaughters’ very special collection. 

Terry called many places home throughout the years including Stillwater, Oklahoma; San Diego, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon retirement, he travelled extensively. During his travels he fell in love with the culture and people of Thailand. He spent much of his later life in Pattaya, Thailand. There he learned the Thai language, developed a love of very spicy foods, and made many dear friends. He was forever inviting people to come stay with him and sample the unique experience that is Thailand, for instance, elephants playing soccer. He and his dog, Cody, enjoyed taking daily motorbike rides along the streets in Pattaya where rules of the road apparently were merely suggestions. 

Terry’s family would like to recognize the years of care provided by Tinnakron Panchiwha in while in Thailand. 

Terry is survived by his daughter, Kari (Henderson) Fields and her husband John Fields of Stillwater Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Fields) Zafarana and her husband TJ Zafarana of Portland Oregon; his granddaughter, Kelsey Fields of Owasso Oklahoma; and his former wife, Judy Henderson of Stillwater Oklahoma. Terry is also survived by his brother, sisters and many nieces and nephews. Although Terry left the family farm in Iowa for big adventures in the larger world, his heart was always with his loving family in Iowa. It was there he returned to be with his family in his final days. 

Terry is predeceased by his beloved son, Michael Kirt Henderson; and his parents, Howard Henderson and Lucille Henderson. 

Terry always had a big heart for children. He supported and deeply admired the work of the Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya, Thailand. Information about this respected, charitable organization is available at https://www.fr-ray.org/about-us/ .