Harold Edward Henson

Rev. Dr. Harold E. Henson, 87, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, died March 11, 2019, in Lexington.  

Born in Junction City, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Samuel William and Lilly Phillips Henson.  He received a master’s degree in divinity from Emory University in Atlanta and an honorary doctorate from Kentucky Wesleyan College.  

A Methodist minister for more than 55 years, he pastored churches in Mitchellsburg, Whitley City, Williamsburg, Barbourville, Somerset, Frankfort, Corbin, La Grange, Versailles, and Bedford. He also formerly served as district superintendent for the Covington District. He enjoyed collecting antiques, painting china, and cultivating flowers. He especially enjoyed spending time with family. 

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his survivors include his wife of more than 66 years, Frances Hawkins Henson of Shelbyville; a son, Michael Henson (Jana) of Frankfort;  daughters Jennifer Decker (Bill) of Waddy and Lisa Faulkner (Todd) of Midlothian, Virginia; six grandchildren, Daniel Henson of Manchester, David Henson of Lexington, Jessica Schmidt (Danny) of Lexington, William Decker III (Amanda) of New York City, Laura Beth Williamson (Josh) of Midlothian, and Ann-Michelle Faulkner of Richmond, Virginia; and two great-granddaughters, Charlotte Schmidt and Isabella Williamson. 

A Celebration of Life service was held March 18, 2019, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Shelbyville, with Bishop Al Gwinn and Revs. Henry Lenoir, Daniel Henson, and Scott Woodburn officiating.  Interment was in Highview Cemetery in Chaplin.