Ricky Alan "Rick" Henderson

It is with great sadness that the family of Ricky Alan "Rick" Henderson announces his passing after bravely battling cancer for two years, on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the age of 56 years. Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Diana, and his children, Jessica (Kalvin) Berner, Stephen (April) Henderson, step-children, Nicholas Yates, Whitney Yates, and Andrew Holdridge. Rick will also be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, Kaden, Nikole, Graham, Gabriella, and Michael. He is also survived by mother, Lavonne (Buyce) Swegles, brothers, Leith (Tammy) Swegles, Matthew (Sarah) Swegles, sisters, Debbie Swegles, Gary Henderson, Lisa Nelson, Vickie (Kirk) Henderson Johnson, and mother-in-law Deloris Stepp. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Rex Henderson.

Rick was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on February 20, 1962. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1980 and completed various sales and technical training programs. In 1981, he married Stephanie Welsh (Pacillo), divorcing in 1991, they had two children, Jessica and Stephen. He married Diana Stepp in 2016, and made a life together in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Rick will be remembered for many things including his great passion for travel, adventure and flying. He was a devoted grandfather who proudly cheered on his grandchildren at their athletic events and school functions. He was incredibly loyal and devoted to the care of his family, always going the extra mile to ensure they were always well cared for and safe. Rick was a strong man who fought his illness bravely and took advantage of every moment, making memories until the very end.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21st at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Rick's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 22nd with Pastor Jimmy Collins, officiating. Interment will follow at Morgan Cemetery in Leroy Township. Those who so desire can make memorial donations in memory of Rick to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100 Kalamazoo, MI 49007.