Obituary of Retired U.S. Airforce Staff Sgt. Warren Henderson

Warren Henderson, 94 was born December 16, 1923 to the late Albert and Bertha Thibeaux Henderson in Erath, LA. He departed this life at Maison du Monde Living Center in Abbeville, LA on Saturday September 22, 2018. Warren attended Abbeville Training School where he attained a High School Diploma and there after joined the United States Military.

Warren served in the United States military for 25 years in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force, where he retired in 1969 as Staff Sergeant. As a Distinguished man of service, Warren was one of Louisiana's oldest World War II veterans who also faithfully fought for his country and received a Letter from the White House signed by President Harry Truman, Certificate of Appreciation for War Service, and received an Air Force Commendation Medal; all for his service to this grateful Nation.  

Warren's retirement from the military allowed him to enjoy serving others through his skills in what he was truly known for, which was appliance repair and auto mechanic labor all over Central Louisiana. He was a well-known entrepreneur, neighbor and friend to those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and well loved by the Abbeville and Alexandria, LA communities. 

Warren, the man on the corner of Chicago Streets and Broadway Avenue never met a stranger. Anytime you mentioned washing machines, appliances or air conditioners, somebody was bound to mention Mr. Warren's name. Anyone that knew Warren, also knew his Fred Sanford truck and Fred Sanford like yard. Seeing Warren sitting on his Porch, walking across Broadway to Dollar General or even at the bus station. He will forever be missed and remembered for his vibrant personality, joyous spirit and welcoming smile.  

Warren is proceeded in death by his parents, Albert Henderson and Bertha Thibeaux Henderson, two sisters Alberta Small and Alba Cole and five brothers Donald Henderson, Carl Willard Henderson, Joseph Floyd Henderson, Raymond Henderson and Lawrence Henderson. 

He leaves cherished memories with his daughter Sylvia Johnson (Joseph) of Missouri City, Texas and stepson Osborne Taylor of Abbeville; three grandchildren Dr. Tracy Petry, Fenton Petry III and Joseph Tyrone Johnson along with three great grandchildren. Three sisters, Julia Zeno of Castro Valley, California, Vivian P. Alsop of Los Angeles, California and Shirley Sylvia Briggs (Leroy) of Abbeville, Louisiana. 

A close friend, Thomas “Manny” Veal who was like a son and three best friends who proceeded him in death, Ray, Boo-Boo and Earl.

Warren shared much of his later years with the love of his life, Emma Lee Weekly Phillips who he remained committed to for over 30 years until her passing on June 24, 2002.  Through this companionship, Warren gained and unconditionally loved three daughters Debra Johnson (Lafayette), Cynthia Phillips, Teresa Ann Stokes; two sons Terry Phillips (Lisa), Jerry M. Phillips III (Candance) all of Alexandria; eight grandchildren Teresa Crowell (Christopher), Eugene Miller II, Monique Johnson, Danielle Pool (William), Daniel Stokes, Terry Phillips Jr., Terrell Phillips, Candazia Phillips and four great grandchildren James III (Tre), Jailyn Elise, Kaniya Marie and Karston Macaire and a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives and friends.

Warren will always be affectionately known and forever remembered as Dad, “Paw-Paw”, “Paw-Paw Warren”, Uncle Warren and just Warren by his loving family and friends.