Donnie Ray Henderson

Donnie Ray Henderson, 86, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, December 1, 2025, at his home.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, at First Christian Church in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Hospice Compassus and sent to the family at 406 E. Fillmore Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Don was born July 31, 1939, in Ottumwa, the son of Wallace “Wally” and Willa May (Harter) Henderson. He served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. While in Vietnam, he was a door gunner on a medevac helicopter in combat zones and received an Air Medal commendation for his service.

On April 25, 1964, Don married Donna Jean Johnson at West Grove Methodist Church in West Grove, Iowa. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, building a loving home and a close-knit family that was the center of their lives.

After graduating from Capital City Commercial College with an associate degree, Don began his career as an accountant for SuperValu Grocery and Fagan Norris Chrysler. In the years that followed, he and Donna moved into downtown Fairfield retail, beginning a lifelong journey of entrepreneurship and partnership. For more than 40 years, they owned and operated Coast to Coast Hardware, Henderson’s Custom Framing and Gallery, and Don’s Lock Shop, working side by side every day. Their businesses were more than a livelihood; they were places where they built friendships, served their community, and supported their family. The strength of their partnership, both in marriage and in business, became one of the defining foundations of their life together. 

Guided by the principles of “God, Family, and Friends,” Don embraced life with gratitude and joy. He loved his church, cherished time traveling with loved ones, and enjoyed simple pleasures like ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, western movies, and bird watching. Supporting his family was his greatest joy, and he took pride in showing up for all of their activities and accomplishments. He especially loved following the Fairfield Jazz Band and cheering on his son Eric playing the drums. A loyal St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, Don’s enthusiasm for life touched everyone around him.

He found joy in the simple act of caring. Don cherished time with his grandchildren. Every night before bed, he would check his grandkids’ locations on GPS, his way of “eye-spying” to make sure they were safe and sound. It gave him peace knowing his family was where they belonged, a quiet ritual that spoke volumes about his love and devotion.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 61 years, Donna Jean; his children, Lori Jean (Jeff) Anderson and Eric (Michelle) Henderson, both of Fairfield; grandchildren, Tyler Anderson, Brittany Jean (Aaron Grimm) Anderson, Averi Laine Henderson, and Ella Rae (Kiernan Hansel) Henderson; great-granddaughter, Norah Jean Goodwin-Anderson; sister, Debbie (Terry) Roberts of Troy, Missouri; niece, Dawn (Chad) Campbell; nephew, Troy (Vickie) Roberts; cousins, Merrillyn (Greg Eastman) Harter, Doug “Curry” Harter, and Cindy (Chris) Dixon; and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.