May 30, 1955 ~ January 22, 2025 (age 69)
Obituary
David “Duke” Lee Henson, 69, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on January 22, 2025. Born on May 30, 1955, in Nacogdoches, David was the beloved son of Gilbert “Jake” Henson and Gloria Battle Henson, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his infant sister, Melody.
David’s family and friends were the focus of his joy. He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife, Jenny Henson; his beloved daughter, Jessica Stevenson and her husband, Calvin; and his cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Frank and Jenna. He also leaves behind his brothers, Jakie Henson and John Henson; his sisters, Sheerie Sobata and Robin Purvis. His legacy will be carried on by his extended family, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends who were touched by his kindness, warmth and sense of humor.
David enjoyed a lifetime career in respiratory medicine, where he cared for patients from their first breath to their last. Beginning in Tyler, Texas he worked with infant and pediatric respiratory patients. He later worked at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas before transferring to Memorial Hospital in Kilgore, Texas where he served as the manager of the Respiratory Department. David’s career continued to flourish as he became the head of the Respiratory Department at Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, Texas. During his tenure, David initiated the launch of the Respiratory program at Angelina College. He also established the ACLS program in the Nacogdoches and Lufkin areas where doctors, nurses and all levels of medical professionals could receive training in the most current Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Education was always a priority for David. He completed his professional journey as the program director of the Respiratory Therapy school at Angelina College in Lufkin, sharing his expertise and passion with his students. Throughout his career, David’s dedication to his patients and profession was evident and he touched the lives of many people across the region.
David was a faithful member of Austin Heights Baptist Church, where he found community and strength. His faith was a guiding force in his life and his memory will live on in the hearts of his fellow church members and all who knew him.
Honorary pallbearers are Tim Scallon, Jack Sanderlin, Mark Severns, Tom Brose, Tom Carrington, Jarrad Grumbles, Jerry Fears and Dale Levings.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3 pm a memorial service to commemorate David’s life will be held at Austin Heights Baptist Church, 2806 Appleby Sand Rd., Nacogdoches, Texas 75965, with Rev. Kyle Childress officiating, followed by a time of celebration at the Banita Creek room in The Fredonia Hotel. Family and friends are invited to attend and remember the man who profoundly impacted their lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to the Church Camp Scholarship Fund at https://austinheightsbaptist.org/giving, a cause close to his heart. Email the church with any questions to office@ahbcnac.org.
David’s legacy of love, service and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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