Clarence Wayne Henderson of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center – Midland. He was 72 years old. Clarence Wayne Henderson was born on April 1, 1953, in Newberry, Michigan, to the late Clarence and Dorothy (Wittig) Henderson. He grew up and attended Merrill Public Schools. Clarence met the love of his life, Brenda Sue Martin, through a friend quickly discovering they shared the same birthday. They dated for eight years and were united in marriage on February 20, 1988; she survives him. Clarence worked as a seasonal operator with Pioneer Sugar but spent most of his life working as a heavy equipment forklift operator with Bear Truss in St. Louis, retiring with over 20 years of loyal and dedicated service. A family man at heart, Clarence treasured and cherished being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Being with his family was his little piece of heaven. Anyone who knew, or didn’t know Clarence, was graced with his gift of selflessness and generosity, because he simply couldn’t tell anyone “No”. He would often go out of his way to help anyone in need, making him one of the most amazing people in the entire world. Clarence enjoyed the great outdoors and all it included: hunting, fishing, and camping. He also loved spending time with his family and friends, especially barbeque and campfires gatherings. Clarence will forever be remembered as a kind and gentle spirit, someone who loved and cared for others deeply, and truly lived an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Brenda Sue Henderson of Merrill; two children: Jason Folts of Breckenridge; Lurissa Henderson of Merrill; four granddaughters: Gené Folts of Gladwin; Andrea Folts of Breckenridge; Maiya Folts and her fiancé Adam of Saginaw; Morgan Rose of Merrill; three great-grandchildren: Temperance Lea, Holdyn Folts, and Hayden Peterson; four siblings: Denny Henderson, Larry (Vickie) Tryon, Karen (Sue) Brown, Diane Thurlow; brother-in-law, Joe Rohn; special friends: John Hernandez, Joe Hernandez, Joe Vedrode, and the Davis clan. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to mention, but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Dorothy Henderson; brother, Bob Tryon; sister, Janet Rohn; brother-in-law and best friend, Bernie Thurlow, Don McMahon, and Ron Hayworth.

A funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125. E. Saginaw St., Merrill, Michigan 48637. Clarence’s family will officiate the service. Honoring Clarence’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family c/o Brenda Sue Henderson. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.