Funeral services for Eugene "Gene" C. Henderson, age 80, of Dupree, SD, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the United Church of Christ in Dupree, SD. Pastor Pauline Webb will officiate with burial to follow in the Dupree Cemetery.

Eugene "Gene" Clifford Henderson was born on August 14, 1934, at Dupree, SD. He was the oldest of three sons born to Eugene and Jane (Miller) Henderson. He attended grade school at the Campbell School southwest of Dupree. His family moved to Cherry Creek which they called "Little Ireland. The Campbell School also moved to Cherry Creek at that time.

Gene's family moved again in 1947 and he attended the Whittier School where he finished 8th grade. He graduated from high school in 1952. Following his graduation, Gene, worked for a surveyor. He then returned to the family farm, and in the spring time during lambing, he helped Lawrence and Harold Ross.

In 1958 Gene was united in marriage to Elsie Fuhrer. They remained on the farm until the drought in 1961 forced them to sell all the cattle and move to Dupree. Gene then began working at the City Bar and the lumberyard. Gene bought back cattle in 1964 and went back into farming and ranching with his father. He soon after bought the place from his dad. When Gene decided to retire, he sold the place to his oldest son Bill.

Gene was on several boards, Farmers Coop Elevator, Farmers Union, ASCS Board and also the Dupree City Council. He often talked a lot about the seven years they lived at Cherry Creek. His friends were the Knights, Jefferies, and Eddie Widow was also there. They did a lot of horseback riding, more than likely to see who had the fastest horse.

Gene passed away on Saturday morning, January 24, 2015 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie, Dupree, SD; two sons, Bill (Pam Mitchell) Henderson and Dale (Tracie Brooks) Henderson both of Dupree, SD; six grandchildren, Jeff Henderson, Dupree, SD, Mardie and Jake Michalson, Sturgis, SD, Callie Henderson (friend Dave Zeiler), Rapid City, SD, Blaine Henderson, Brookings, SD, Daryl Henderson, Mitchell, SD and Robert Henderson, Dupree, SD; one great-granddaughter, Kenleigh Michalson; two sisters-in-law, Audrey Henderson, Mobridge, SD and Terri Henderson, Arlington, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harley and Ben Henderson; and one granddaughter, Jodie Jean Henderson.

A memorial has been established.