Carl M. Henderson, Jr. peacefully walked into the arms of his Lord on November 1, 2014, while surrounded by his family in his home in Oil City, PA. He was born in Franklin, PA to Carl M. Henderson Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Bennet) Henderson on September 3, 1931.

Following his graduation from Franklin High School, Carl worked at the Exchange Bank in Franklin. He later attended Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While in college in Anderson, he met the love of his life and future wife Florence “Flossi” Shotwell, from Scranton, PA, who was also attending college at Anderson University. They were later married in Scranton on June 27, 1953. Following graduation, they moved to Michigan, where they both taught school for one year in the Garden City School System.

They then moved back to Franklin, where Carl continued to teach for 35 years as a Business and English teacher in Rocky Grove High School. For many years, Carl served in his love for God and others at Fox Street Church of God, where he also was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was also highly involved in his community and would frequently talk with past students and lovingly guide his family while enjoying his retirement with his wife. He took up personal accounting and tax preparation and enjoyed working outside on various projects. Carl was known as a warm, kind man, who always had a smile, a wave, and an encouraging work for all- whether they knew him or not. For those who knew him, his presence brought joy and insight, even about the smaller things of life. He had a great sense of humor and he shared his humor and faith with those he spent time with.

Following their retirement, Carl and Flossi started spending part of their winters in Florida, eventually settling in Zephyrhills, where they traveled and enjoyed the many friends they had “down South.” For quite a few years, they have spent their winters in the South and their summers in their home in Plantation Park, Mercer, Pa. As a couple, they have always been very social, and carry on many friendships with people all over the country. Carl was very resilient, and not only recovered from a major heart attack in 2007, but also was a proud cancer survivor since 1995. More than anything, Carl was a family man. He rejoiced in their successes and encouraged them in their downfalls. He loved his family unconditionally and invested into them with all that he was.

Carl and Flossi who survives, have two children. One daughter- Dianne, a Registered Nurse, and her husband, Daryl Hicks, who both live in Oil City. Dianne has an 18-Year career as a church pianist and is a passionate church volunteer. They also have on son- Brent, and his wife, Kathy (Dixon), who reside in Anderson, Indiana. Brent is an ordained minister and accomplished vocalist and speaker.

Carl is also survived by four grandchildren- Travis Hicks, and his wife, Jocelyn, who reside in Franklin; Tara Hicks in Oil City; Garett Henderson, Anderson, IN; and Emma Henderson, also residing in Anderson, IN.

He is also survived by four great-grandchildren- Madeline Boyle, Darius Hicks, Logan Boyle, and Olivia Hicks- all residing in Franklin, PA.

Surviving also is his brother, William, and his wife, Margie, of Franklin; a brother- Gene, and his wife, Marylyn, who reside in Sumterville, FL.

Proceeding him in death, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Robert and his wife Margie; Twin sisters- Elaine Hughes and Elsie Rogers; a sister- Ruth Hughes; a sister-in-law, Jean Henderson; a brother-in-law, John Hughes; and his step-father, Charles Power.

Family and friends of Carl will be received from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9pm, Monday, November 3rd at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin.

Funeral Services will be held at the Hasson Heights Community Church, 21 Farview Ave., Oil City with Rev. Jamie Fowler of the church and Rev. Randy Kightlinger, Hospice Chaplain of Venango VNA, officiating on Tuesday, November 4 at 11 am. Interment will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens in Cranberry.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to VNA Foundation, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323 and/or Lives Transforming Counseling (www.livestransforming.com), 13005 Parkside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038-3864.

To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardenierfuneralhome.com.