of Harrison,

July 23, 2014

Emmel (Ed) Henderson, age 94, died Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Harrison, AR.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 65 years, Dorothy (Peterson) Henderson; three sons, David Henderson, Steve Henderson, and John Henderson; and three daughters, Eileen Kiefer, Carol Creech, and Linda Kottmer. Emmel is also survived by twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Emmel was born in Casey County Kentucky to John and Sylvia Henderson. The family soon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Emmel spent most of his youth. He dropped out of school in the tenth grade to go to work and help his family during the Depression. It was in Cincinnati that Emmel began his lifelong hobby of roller skating which he continued to the age of 85.

In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Emmel tried to join the army. Diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease by army doctors, he was rejected for service and told that he should not expect to live to ''old age.'' They suggested he move to a warm dry climate where he may enjoy added years. With a doctor's prescription to buy gasoline for the trip, he moved to Phoenix, AZ.

In 1950, Emmel began his successful business career in Phoenix by building his first roller skating rink. The banks wouldn't loan him money so he borrowed from a private lender. The construction crew consisted of himself, his wife Dorothy, and his father. He often told the story of having to write a bad check in order to have enough change for the grand opening. Emmel went on to build two more skating rinks and several commercial rental buildings.

In the mid-1970s, Emmel and Dorothy bought a farm in Arkansas and spent ever increasing time there until they became permanent residents around 1985. They enjoyed gardening and raising cattle. Emmel enjoyed life and he enjoyed helping others.

Private services and internment will take place at Greenwood Memory Lawn cemetery in Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gift baskets or gift cards be sent to the very kind and compassionate staff at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

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