Roy Howell Henderson

Roy Howell Henderson, 85, of Navasota, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Roy was born December 22, 1940, in Houston, Texas, to Lloid Howell Henderson and Aline Brauner Henderson. He graduated from Schulenburg High School in 1959 and went on to attend Texas A&M University, graduating in 1964.

On June 27, 1964, Roy married Gale Arnell Lamascus, beginning a marriage that would span 62 years. Together, Roy and Gale built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, service to others, and many wonderful memories with their two daughters, Donna and Roxanne.

Roy began his career with the Texas Department of Corrections as Dairy Supervisor at the Eastman Unit in Weldon, Texas. His career also took him to the Ellis Farm in Huntsville and later to the Jester Unit in Richmond, where he served as Farm Manager. He transferred to Navasota, where he became Assistant Warden at Pack I before retiring in 1993.

Retirement did not slow Roy down. He combined his knowledge of agriculture with his love of teaching as a presenter for the Southwest Dairy Museum Mobile Classroom, traveling to schools and livestock shows and teaching young people about the dairy industry and agriculture.

Service to his church and community was also an important part of Roy’s life. He was an active member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Navasota and was heavily involved with the Grimes County Fair and the Grimes County Go-Texan Committee. Roy was also deeply involved with the Texas Association of Fairs and Events (TAFE), serving as both a board member and president. His many years of service to agriculture also included serving as Dairy Assistant Superintendent for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

But Roy’s life could never be defined by work and service alone. He was a cowboy at heart and an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. A decorated marksman, Roy especially enjoyed dove, quail, and pheasant hunting, while fly fishing remained one of his favorite pastimes. He and Gale also enjoyed square dancing together as members of the Sugar Land Cane Raisers.

Roy lived his life according to the values of a generation that believed your word meant something, hard work mattered, you took care of your family, and you stood by the people you loved. His faith, character, sense of responsibility, and devotion to family left an example that will continue through the generations that follow him.

Above all, Roy loved his family. He treasured his 62 years with his wife, Gale, and took great pride in his daughters, grandchildren, and growing family.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Gale Lamascus Henderson; his brother, Don Henderson and wife Sammy; his sister, Janet Kobza and husband Bobby Joe “BJ”; his daughters, Donna Gessner and husband Michael, and Roxanne Clipper and husband Donnie; his grandchildren, Tyler Gessner, Robert Clipper and wife Crystal, Dean Gessner and wife Kristin, Payne Gessner and wife Stephanie, and Chance Clipper and wife Savannah; his great-grandson, Remington Gessner; and his great-granddaughter, Wrenley Gessner, expected in November 2026. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Lloid Howell Henderson and Aline Brauner Henderson.

Services

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Schulenburg City Cemetery in Schulenburg, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Navasota.

Pallbearers will be Roy’s five grandsons: Tyler Gessner, Robert Clipper, Dean Gessner, Payne Gessner, and Chance Clipper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

First Presbyterian Church of Navasota

P.O. Box 1269

Navasota, TX 77868

Grimes County Go-Texan Committee

P.O. Box 1479

Navasota, TX 77868

Grimes County Fair Association

P.O. Box 630

Anderson, TX 77830

Allumine Health

1144 Midtown Road

College Station, TX 77845

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sophie Devine with Visiting Angels, the hospice nurses of Allumine Health, and all of the healthcare workers who cared for Roy during his final days. Their kindness, compassion, patience, and gentle care brought comfort not only to Roy, but to his entire family. The family is deeply grateful for the dignity and love shown to Roy and for the support provided during such a difficult time.

Roy leaves behind far more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves a family who loved him, a community he served, a faith he lived, and a legacy that will continue through the generations who follow him.