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Welcome to the memorial page for
Clayton W. Henderson
June 10, 1936 ~ January 7, 2018 (age 81) 81 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Martha Hartwich Hagenbrock
March 23, 2018 11:31 AM
I was sad to hear of Dr. Henderson's passing. I am a music major alumna of Saint Mary's. I so enjoyed Dr. Henderson's music history classes; he was engaging and made the history come to life. I remember him not only as a brilliant scholar and amazing pianist, but as a kind and approachable professor. My condolences to the Henderson family.
Message from Lori Layzell Davis
February 4, 2018 11:29 AM
I had Dr. Henderson for several classes at Millikin. He was a most extraordinary teacher. His passion for music inspired all of us fortunate enough to be taught by him. I was so saddened to here of Dr. Hendersons passing.
A candle was lit by Karen Miller Kirkpatrick
on January 30, 2018 7:53 PM
Message from Clara Kovach Costello
January 20, 2018 10:22 PM
I am so sorry for your loss . My Mother spoke very highly about your whole family. You were all so kind . My prayers go out to your whole family.
Message from Lori Hutchings Houska
January 20, 2018 5:23 AM
I am so sorry for the passing of Dr. Henderson and the loss for you all.
He was Papa Smurf to me! Kind, Helpful, Thoughtful - I knew him both as the Father of my friends Chris and Ethan, and as the Dean of the Music School at St. Mary's (I am a 1988 graduate). What a loving and talented man. I am glad that I was able to know him in those different roles. So sorry for your loss - his memory will live on . . .
Love from Lori Hutchings Houska
He was Papa Smurf to me! Kind, Helpful, Thoughtful - I knew him both as the Father of my friends Chris and Ethan, and as the Dean of the Music School at St. Mary's (I am a 1988 graduate). What a loving and talented man. I am glad that I was able to know him in those different roles. So sorry for your loss - his memory will live on . . .
Love from Lori Hutchings Houska
A candle was lit by Lori Hutchings
on January 20, 2018 5:15 AM
Message from Brian Loeffler
January 19, 2018 6:44 PM
Mrs. Henderson, Chris and Henderson Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Clayton was the most kindhearted and generous person. Will always remember how he'd cheerfully sit at the piano at a social event and share his amazing gifts. - He was such an inspiration. I am forever grateful for all his positive encouragment and support throughout my high school and college years. He will be missed. Am thinking of you at this time - you're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Message from Sr. Elizabeth (Betty) Smoyer, SNDdeN
January 19, 2018 3:26 PM
What fond memories of musical greatness and wisdom and kindness come to mind in remembering Clayton. May Elizabeth and all the family find strength, courage and deep peace at this challenging time. I join you in trusting that Clayton has found his way to that place of comfort, light and peace. I give thanks that I knew him at Saint Mary's. Continuing prayer for all in this circle of grief and gratitude.
Message from Colleen Loeffler Phonwiang
January 18, 2018 4:59 PM
Our family is just heartbroken over this loss. Dr. Henderson was such a figure throughout our lives, watching us all perform on stage with the Henderson children and through different school events in South Bend. We always enjoyed singing around the piano around the holidays with family and friends with Dr. Henderson accompanying. Or on impromptu summer nights. Those were fun times and great memories that we cherish. Dr. Henderson was such a gentle man and his kindness was genuine. We send our love to his wife Elizabeth, as well as, Chris, Ethan, Josh, Jennifer, Greg and the rest of the family. Love you guys!
Message from Elaine Komjathy
January 18, 2018 1:57 PM
Elizabeth, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed providing books for Clayton through the homebound program.
Message from Carol Loeffler
January 18, 2018 12:11 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss and for all our losses we loved the Henderson's all these years and stand with you during this hard time .we all send our love , bill , Brian ,colleen & Carol ....love you
Message from Mid DePauw
January 16, 2018 10:34 PM
Clayton and I began at Saint Mary’s together and retired the same year. He was always such a wonderful colleague, beloved by his students, wise in his counsel and generous with his time. His kindness was a gift to so many. I remember fondly those early Christmas parties with him at the piano and joy filling the room. Elizabeth, Phil and I will keep you and all your family in our prayers. We are away but will be with you in thoughts and prayers. May the promise of the Resurrection bring you all peace.
Message from Maureen Roberts
January 16, 2018 1:48 PM
Elizabeth and children, My heart aches for you at Clayton's passing . I will always remember him for his love of music and his church and his family. Go forth with strength and peace.
Message from Marcia Rickard
January 15, 2018 8:01 PM
As I am in California, I can only be at the visitation in spirit. I remember Clayton as a valued colleague and friend who graced Moreau for so many years. It was nice knowing he was just down the hall. The Christmas parties in Stapleton became much livelier and festive when Clayton sat down at the piano, and I remember what fun we had team-teaching a course together. My sympathies to you, Elizabeth, and to the family.
Message from Joanne Snow
January 15, 2018 7:39 PM
I have fond memories of Clayton playing the piano at Christmas parties when I first came to Saint Mary's. Those were golden years. Clayton's presence has been missed since his retirement. He was a blessing to the College. May God's angels be singing to his accompaniment on the piano. God bless the soul of this good, talented, and gentle man.
Message from Katherine Ward, Saint Mary's College library
January 15, 2018 4:10 PM
What a wonderful musician, scholar and gentleman. Our tenures at Saint Mary's overlapped for many years and I so enjoyed his conversations and learned so much from his academic research and writing. He will be missed.
Message from John Palmer
January 14, 2018 11:32 PM
Elizabeth and family. I am so sorry to hear of Clay's passing. I will always cherish his and Elizabeth's friendship.
A candle was lit by Steve and Joann Spencer
on January 12, 2018 8:15 PM
Message from Bev Butler
January 12, 2018 7:53 PM
Thinking of you, Elizabeth, since we had just talked at Martin’s. The obituary was so well-written. He was a very active professional, yet so personable with colleagues and accessible with students. My prayers go out to all of your family.
Message from Sonia Szymura
January 12, 2018 7:00 PM
Sending love & prayers to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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