Martin Henson

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Martin Henson passed peacefully from this earth on March 21, 2022, at the age of 96. He was born to Frank and Myrtle Henson in Pineville, Missouri on June 24, 1925.

Martin was raised on the family farm, where his love for growing a garden and the reward for hard work was instilled. He was the third oldest of 10 children with four brothers and five sisters. 

Learning the joy that came from growing your own food was something Martin continued his entire life. Martin married Barbara Wilkerson and in 1953 they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Never one to shy away from a little hard work, he started a refuse business in 1955. 

In 1978/79, Martin and friend Jim Hinds, founded Tulsa Refuse Inc. and along with over 50 haulers provided refuse service for the City of Tulsa for 32 years. In 2011, he was one of the founding partners for the current City of Tulsa refuse contract and was still a proud member of this group at the time of his passing. When he wasn’t busy with his garden or the refuse business, Martin was a successful land speculator and his love of buying and selling land lasted him a lifetime.

Martin was preceded in death by, his parents, Frank & Myrtle; wife, Barbara; siblings, Doris, James (Bub), Fern and Ruby.

He is survived by siblings, Troy, Clayton, Shirley, Carol, and Glen. His daughter Paula Cotten (Mike), son Marty (Lynne), grandson Colt and multiple nieces and nephews. Along with care giver Lisa Gonzalez who became honorary member of Martin’s family.

Many times, in last few years, Martin would ask to be taken to Missouri, where he felt at home. Today his heart is at peace in his beloved Ozarks.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with Pastor Jamey Cope officiating. Burial will follow at Brush Creek Cemetery. 

Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Eric Corcoran, Brook Henson, Bruce Boatright, Jason Stephens, Reagan Stephens and James Hinds with Jim Hinds and John Drouillard serving as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. 

On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.