Thomas W. Henson, 74, a life-long Paxton resident passed away at 12:40 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2017, at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville Nursing Facility.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells Street, Paxton with Pastor David Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors accorded by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.

Visitation will be from 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Masonic Rites at 6:30 p.m. by the Paxton Masonic Lodge #416.

Tom was born June 14, 1943 in Paxton the son of Orville E. and Roxie Fox Henson. He married Cheryl Maulding on June 23, 1968 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. She survives.

Along with his wife, Cheryl of 49 years, he is survived by one daughter, Stacey (Jason Crawford) Henson of Danville; one son, Brian (Amy) Henson of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Brian, Jr. and Emily Henson and Evan Vredenburgh; a brother, James (Laura) Henson of Thomasboro; a sister, Zelda (Harry) Kuchenbrod of Pensacola, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Norman Keefe.

Tom graduated from Paxton High School in 1961. He served in the United States Army 1963-65. He was stationed in Korea and was in charge of a communications team with the Merchant Marines. He was a butcher and meat salesman before owning and operating Tom's Market for 10 years. He then went to work for J. M. Jones as a meat buyer and inspector and retired in 2005.

He was baptized in the Paxton Church of Christ. He was a 50-year mason and a Past Master of the Paxton Masonic Lodge #416. He was also a member of the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150 and the Loda Sportsman's Club and a former member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge. Tom was a former scout leader.

Tom enjoyed woodworking, playing pool, drinking coffee with his many friends and helping people. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.