Leonard Ray Henderson
Leonard Ray Henderson was born August 23, 1949 and went to be with Jesus on June 18, 2026. He was born in Wenatchee, Washington to Clyde Henderson and Annie Chappell Henderson. He was the youngest of five siblings. He attended grade school in Wenatchee and Seattle then moved with his family to the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle which would remain his home for many years.
In God’s providence he began attending Rainier Avenue Free Methodist Church, his home away from home for over half his life. The church provided him mentors, community and most importantly prompted a personal relationship with Jesus.
His life changed completely when his father Clyde passed away unexpectedly when Leonard was only 15 years old. He began working to help support his family.
He was a proud graduate of Franklin High School in Seattle where he was a member of the Bel Cantos choir with whom he toured Europe in 1967. He had a lifelong love of singing in the church and beyond.
After high school, he attended the University of Washington for two years where he proudly participated in ROTC.
In May 1971 he married Joyce Thorpe and they made their home in the Rainer Valley, moving to Renton as they welcomed three sons, Christopher in 1975, Ryan in 1978 and (because Joyce wanted to try for a daughter) Eric in 1982.
During those busy years with a young family, Leonard worked hard in the grocery business at Prairie Market then in route sales for Jumbo Foods, Frito Lay, and Otis Spunkmeyer. His best career years were at AAA Fire and Safety. Even with long days and very early mornings he always made time for helping with PTA events, with skating party arranging as his specialty.
At his three church homes (Rainier Avenue FM, Burien FM, and Highline Christian) he invested deeply as a member of the Board, as a denominational delegate, usher/teller, in men’s bible studies, driving vans for youth events, and singing in the worship team.
Leonard was a proud husband and father and delighted most in his role as Papa Leo. Being able to enjoy and spoil his grandchildren was something he never took for granted.
In retirement he enjoyed staying connected at church, traveling with the cruise buddies, and attending all the grandkids’ events.
He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 55 years, and his children Chris (Katie), Ryan (Sarah), Eric (Lacey) and his grandchildren Kaleb, Laine, Parker, Lewis, Grant and Molly as well as his sister Lila and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Annie, and by siblings Beverly, Katie and Tom and numerous special friends and family.
Leonard will be remembered as a loyal, generous and kind man. He loved a good joke, an evening at the movies, a stirring Gospel song, a not-too-challenging puzzle, a cold diet soda, a hearty breakfast and a long, bantering conversation. He had a deep loyalty to Warm Beach Camp, Seattle Pacific University and the Free Methodist Church.
A celebration of his good life will be held Sunday, July 26 at 3 pm at Highline Christian Church (14859 1st Ave S / Burien, WA 98168). For those unable to join in person, a live-stream is available at
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to the “Kids to Camp” scholarship fund at Warm Beach Camp, his favorite place on earth: https://www.warmbeach.com/donations/kids-2-camp-scholarship-fund/