CHARLES E. HENDERSON - MONTGOMERY CENTER - Charles E. Henderson died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, after a four year fight against a rare bone marrow disease, myelofibrosis. He lived well and died well. He was 71. Charles was born in Bassett, Ark., to Ruth and Lucian Henderson on Halloween 1940. Maybe that was the reason for his love of all holidays, parties, and pranks. A southern boy, he graduated from West Memphis High School in 1958. His determination and desire for learning caused him to be the first member of his family to attend college. He earned his B.A. at the University of Memphis, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1962. The highlight of his college career was when he met Kay Scherer. He told her that he was going to marry her on their first date, and true to Charles fashion, once he set his mind to it, it happened. The two of them had a wonderful 50 year marriage, full of travel and adventure. Charles went on to pursue his interest in history at the University of Mississippi earning his master's degree in 1963. He completed his Ph.D. coursework in classical history at Duke University. His love of learning naturally caused his life's work to be that of an educator. He worked as a teacher, Dean of Students, Headmaster, and Educational Consultant. His dedication, humor and knowledge touched the lives of all who knew him, especially his daughters, Kasie and Beth. He enriched their lives tremendously, helping them to value family, education, and character above all. One of his last adventures brought him to the north country of Vermont in 1997. He and Kay braved the cold so they could retire close to their daughter, Kasie and her family; most especially their only grandchild (at that time), Shelby. Shelby loved going to the "Mountain House" on the Notch Road in Montgomery Center. Charles and Shelby had grand adventures hiking, catching frogs in the pond, wading in brooks, getting milkshakes at Trout River Traders, and going to yard sales to furnish and decorate their clubhouse. Charles actively participated in town life. He was a Justice of the Peace and continued his interest in history as President of the Historical Society. A lifelong learner, he also joined the Friends of the Library. One of his greatest joys was gardening; especially cultivating an incredible number of flowers. His property bloomed throughout the growing season and brought happiness to all who saw it. He was an active member of the Gardening Club and became a Master Gardener. An animal lover, one of his last acts of kindness was adopting the beloved Lumpy; the two of them could be seen at the library, walking in the woods and at the Snowshoe Pub (where Lumpy is an honorary patron.) Charles is survived by his incredible wife, Kay; his daughter and son-in-law, Kasie and Craig Nolan of Waterbury, and his granddaughters; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Kevin Warren of Brooklyn, N.Y; his sisters, Bonnie Grey and Nancy Dye; as well as his niece, Vicki (who was like a daughter to him); and nephews, Bobby, Jeff, and Charles. There will be a private ceremony for the family, as well as a celebration of Charles's life at the Snowshoe Pub on March 24, 2012. Private messages of condolence may be sent to Charles's family online through www.spearsfuneralhome.com. Charles requested that any donations be made to the Montgomery Center Library, P.O. Box 448, Montgomery Center, VT 05471, or to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Cir. #1, St. Albans, VT 05478 (Thanks Jody!).