Frederick R Henson

Frederick Richard Henson passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023, in Henderson, Nevada, after a brief hospital stay.

Born on October 30, 1948, in Washington D.C., to Jean and Margurite Henson, Fred grew up as a world traveler, living in many countries across the globe as part of a military family.  He graduated from high school in Germany and then joined the U.S. Army, where he was a plane mechanic and pilot. Fred’s parents settled in Boulder City, Nevada, in 1978 after an extensive search that found the city one of the best places in the U.S. to retire. Fred thought it wasn’t so bad either and joined them in Nevada shortly thereafter, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and earning a degree in Recreation Management.

After graduating, Fred joined the Nevada Department of Wildlife as a game warden, which became a lifelong career that he loved. In the fashion of his father, Jean, Fred always recounted fond stories of catching poachers, boating Lake Mead, counting bighorn sheep or bald eagles, and tracking down venomous reptiles. His daughters recall Fred literally bringing his work home at times, which would always be accompanied by a stern warning: “don’t open that white bucket.”

In his spare time and retirement, Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Fred and Donna built a vacation home in Punta Bufeo, Mexico, where they enjoyed ample fishing, humongous shrimp, and time relaxing with family and friends. Fred and Donna also went on an extensive trip to Alaska, a lifelong goal of Fred’s.

Fred could be described as a person that never met a stranger. He was always extremely friendly, with the ability to strike up conversations anytime with anyone. He was also generous and loving with his family, whom he prized over all else.       

Fred is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Donna Henson, his three daughters, Brandy Smith (Chad), Brooke Streaker (Adam), and Robin Henson; his three grandchildren, Rebecca Smyth (Cole), Dayton Smith, and Alayna Henson; brothers Michael Henson and James Henson (Delia); nieces Chris McNeal (Mike) and Laura Henson Leven; and many other extended family members. Fred was preceded in death by his parents Jean and Margurite Henson.

A private family memorial will be held at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.