Edison “Ed” C. Henderson Sr.

HARTFORD – Edison “Ed” C. Henderson Sr., 87, of Hartford, died Sept. 22, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris, where he had spent the previous two months. His wife, Rosemary, and their daughters were at his bedside.

Ed was born in Norway, Maine, on Dec. 15, 1938, to the late Jack Henderson and Anna (Holt) Henderson. He grew up in Welchville, Paris, Sumner and Woodstock. As a teenager, he worked with his father peeling pulp. He lived with his Aunt Dolly and attended his first year of high school in Paris. He then lived with and worked for Alvah Hendrickson, graduating from Woodstock High School in 1957.

After high school, Ed enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Following his discharge, he served for two years in the National Guard in Norway.

Ed began his career as a truck driver after his Army service. He met Rosemary Bragg, and they married on June 15, 1962. Ed and Rosie were married for 64 years and had six children. He tried working for himself as a pulp truck driver but decided it was not for him. He later drove a log truck for Timberlands and Irving. His CB radio handle was “Henhouse” after he once showed up at the mill with a chicken in his load. After retiring, he drove a dump truck for David Bragg.

Ed enjoyed playing baseball during his high school years and was an avid Red Sox fan. He also enjoyed Westerns, reading, fishing, feeding the birds and scratching an occasional lottery ticket.

In his final days, Ed appreciated his many visitors, especially the little ones. His family admired the patience and courage with which he faced his many health challenges.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his son David Heath; and the children he shared with Rosemary: Stephanie Buswell and her husband, Gerald, Stephen Henderson and his wife, Beverly, Edison Henderson Jr., Shawn Henderson and his wife, Karen, and Suzanne Rowe. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Danielle, Justin, Jamison, Alyssa, Lindsay, Brigette, Caitlin, Marissa, Crosby, Lauren, Michael, Gunnar, Kathryn, Max and Autumn; 16 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Fred and his wife, Carole, Quentin and his wife, Glenice, and Dennis and his wife, Nancy; his sister Dona Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son Stewart Henderson; his grandson Jared Henderson; his brothers, Tom and Paul; and his sisters, Sara “Sally” and Martha.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home and Andwell Hospice for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Saturday, October 10, at 1 p.m. at the East Sumner Congregational Church, followed by a graveside committal service at the Elmwood Cemetery in Sumner.

Arrangements are in the care of Cliff Gray Cremations where condolences and memories may be shared with the family at http://www.cliffgraycremations.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home Activities Department,

477 High Street,

South Paris, ME 04281