Marion Joe Henderson, age 84, of Palm Bay, Florida, left his earthly home and went to his heavenly home prepared for him by his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

He was born to the late Emmett Bill and Mattie Indiana Crosby Henderson on February 14, 1939, in his family home, at the time, in the company-built saw-mill city of Holopaw, Florida. Later Marion lived with his parents and worked even as a teen on the Deseret Ranch, the ranching operations of the corporation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Florida. After moving from the ranch, Marion attended Melbourne High School. Since Brevard County could not find a school bus driver for outlying areas, Marion, while he was still attending high school, was recruited to drive the school bus for schools in Melbourne. His route covered miles and he picked up
elementary and high school children of all ages all riding the same overloaded bus from St. Cloud and the surrounding areas. He graduated from Melbourne High School in 1959, was married and entered the U.S. Army.

When Marion was in active reserves, he suffered an accidental gunshot wound to the chest and lost his right lung. After a prolonged time of recovery, Marion received an honorable, "permanently retired," "Physical Disability" military discharge from the Army. Once out of the service, Marion began his 38 year career with Brevard County. He retired from the position of Road Supervisor for Brevard County, 3/5 Road and Bridge in June 2003.

Marion was a life-long member of the DAV and NRA. Most importantly he was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Melbourne. Marion accepted Christ on March 30, 1980, and followed in believer's baptism on April 6, 1980. At Calvary he faithfully served over the years as Trustee, Greeter and Sunday School bus driver. Besides his involvement with his church family, Marion enjoyed restoring guns, shooting, boating and fishing, and board games with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling and went on five mission trips (twice to Israel, Costa Rica, Peru and Spain), and other trips to Canada and China. He was also a member of what the men call "R.O.M.E.O." Retired Old Men
Eating Out. This group consists of other Christian men enjoying breakfast together once a week where he would have the opportunity to tell one of his long, detailed stories. Marion was known to all as a kind, caring, fun, thoughtful, gentle, loyal and loving husband, father and friend. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Marion is survived by his wife Gretchen and his three children: Duane; Laurie Elko of Melbourne; and Cara Kroschel of Texas; and four grandchildren: Chance and Jett Elko and Max and Harper Kroschel.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at Calvary Baptist Church, 2980 North Wickham Road, Melbourne. The service will begin at 12:00 with Military Honors, followed by an open reception in the fellowship hall for all who attend. Private interment will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Marion's memorial page at www.davisseawinds.com.