Obituary for Stephen Howard Henderson

Stephen Howard “Herbie” Henderson came into the world on July 5, 1948, the son of Herbert Guy Henderson and Catherine L. Sedgwick of Manchester. 

He was taught to leave things better than he found them, which is what he did by the time he left this earth on November 11, 2025. He taught his children more about critical thinking with his persistent “Is that right?” than all their college classes combined. He is survived by his brother, Nick Manson (Des Moines); son, Steven J. Henderson (Des Moines); daughters, Michele Jahncke and Richele Baburina (both of Kingsport, Tenn.); stepson, Eric Loney, Manchester; and approximately 37 pairs of his signature overalls.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Pat Mefferd and Judi Henderson. 

Wild at heart, he was a horse whisperer, carpenter, artist, outdoorsman, and man of passion who later became a stoic. He was a traveler that lived most of his life in Manchester, Cedar Rapids, and the surrounding area. 

Hunter S. Thompson wrote, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” 

We don’t know for certain if Herbie read Thompson, but the pulse of his life carries the very fragrance of those words. While there are many anecdotes about our father, the majority are not fit for print. We hope you will raise a glass and either remember him fondly or forgive him. His ashes will be scattered by his children in a private ceremony.