Billy Ray Henson, age 72, of Newton, Kansas, died Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas. He was born April 1, 1947, in Seymour, Missouri, the son of Hiram and Alta (Henry) Henson.

Billy moved to Ulysses, Kansas, with his family at a young age. He attended Ulysses schools until he entered US Naval training in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1968 after serving aboard the USS Suffolk County during the Vietnam War. Billy married Marsha Patton on May 28, 1970, in Ulysses, where they resided until 2001. After moving to Alva, Oklahoma in 2001, they made their home in Newton, Kansas in 2013. Billy retired from Southern Star as an oiler repairman in 2007. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting; especially deer. He will be remembered as being a jokester and for the way he could visit with anyone; he never met a stranger. Billy was a loving husband, father and friend. He loved his children very much and was very proud of them. He was a lifetime member of VFW.

Billy is survived by his wife, Marsha of their home; sons, Brandon Henson of Ulysses, and Joe Henson and wife Stacey of Nashville, Tennessee; daughter, Amy Morrison and husband Steven of Newton; brothers, Kenny Henson and wife Ann of Ulysses, and Danny Henson and wife Cindy of Amarillo, Texas; sister, Jeleta White and husband Jerry of Ulysses; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Brian.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with inurnment at the Ulysses Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Victory in the Valley in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.