Edwin T. Henson, age 84, of Xenia, IL passed away at 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at his home in Xenia.

Edwin was born August 26, 1928 in Wayne County, IL to Ralph Cecil and Myrtle Mae (Burgess) Henson. He married Norma Jane Childers on August 15, 1950 in Flora at the United Methodist Church. Edwin was a lifelong farmer and drove a school bus for 21 years. In addition he served 42 years on the Clay Electric Co-Op Board, was on the Garden Hill Township Board of Trustees, and was a Xenia Fire Protection District Trustee and helped build the firehouse. He was a loyal member for over 50 years of the Xenia United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a Sunday School Teacher. Edwin served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army and proudly earned his G.E.D. at age 77. He enjoyed woodworking and was a patient, gentle man who never met a stranger, always talking to people wherever he went. Edwin taught others to follow a Christian life and instilled a good work ethic in his family.

He is survived by his wife: Norma Jane (Childers) Henson of Xenia; a daughter: Brenda (Arnold) Dutcher of Springfield; a son: David (Carolyn) Henson of Carmi; a foster son: Les (Stacy) Higgason of Flora; 2 brothers: Gerome (Nora) Henson of Orchardville and Bob (Wanda) Henson of Perris, CA; a sister: Louise (Lee) Hickox of Flora; 11 grandchildren: Heather, Shannon, Matthew, Matt, Mark, Candice, Chris, Shawn, Jeff, Brent, and Cameron; along with 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother (Howard E. Henson), a sister (Shelba Fatheree), and a daughter-in-law (Cheryl Henson).

The funeral service for Edwin Henson will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Xenia United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob McNeely officiating. Interment will follow in Powers Cemetery, rural Xenia. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora and 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Xenia Volunteer Fire Department or to Xenia United Methodist Church.