Gerald Lee Henderson was born in Malvern, Iowa on August 16, 1931. He was the second son of Roy M. Henderson and Georgia (McGill) Henderson.

He served in the US Navy from 1952-1955. He was involved in the development of the first C11 Steam Catapult for the US Navy. The C11 Steam Catapult was used on ships to launch aircrafts on take off. He also ran the wrecker to pull airplanes out of the water.

He was honorably discharged March 18, 1955. He received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Gerald worked as a farmer most of his life. He ran a wheat harvest crew for several years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Georgia Henderson, brothers Max Henderson and Ronnie Henderson. He is survived by a brother, Tom Henderson and wife Vicky, sister-in-law Melva Henderson, sister-in-law Carol Gravitt and many nieces and nephews.