Charles Henshaw

Charles Arthur Henshaw, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

He was born Oct. 7, 1919, in Equality, Ill., to John Isaac and Essie F. Gold Henshaw.

Charles graduated from Chaffee High School. He entered the National Guard in May 1939 and was inducted into federal service with the 140th Infantry Band at Chaffee, Mo., on Dec. 22, 1940.

Mr. Henshaw served in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. He served in the Army Air Force and graduated from flying school in March 1943.

He also flew with the Navy after graduating from Navy flying school in 1944 and wears both wings. Charles served as an Air Sea Rescue officer in the South Pacific and retired from the Air Force in 1979 as a major.

He was retired from the FAA as a supervisory air traffic control specialist in 1980 after 40 years of military service.

Charles married Norma K. Horn on Aug. 1, 1944, at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss. They were married 65 years. She died Feb. 16, 2010.

Charles was a member of St. Marks Lodge No. 93, 32nd York Rite Mason, was Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Past Watchman of Shepherds of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Amaranth No. 14, Cape Girardeau Commandery, Moolah Temple. He also was a member of the National Sojourners, the Retired Officers Association, Reserve Officers Association, Air Rescue Association, PBY International Association and a life member of VFW Post 3838 and American Legion Post No. 63.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a member of NARFE.

Survivors include daughters, Rita L. Randoll of Placerville, Calif, and Charlene A. Myers of Newport Beach, Calif.; granddaughter, Randee Randoll of San Jose, Calif.; great-granddaughter, Cailyn Randoll; his loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Bill Vincent officiating.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.