Following a lengthy battle with interstitial lung disease, LeRoy Harry Henderson of Helena passed away peacefully in his home on February 8, 2025, at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family and friends.
LeRoy was born in Sidney, Montana on October 10th, 1944. He was the second child and only son of Harriette Ann (Hill) and Harry George Henderson. After graduating from Sidney High School in 1963, LeRoy began working in construction for Grovom & Moen Construction in Sidney, where he learned how to build a house from the ground up. In 1966, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam as a Seabee with the Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 9. Upon returning to Sidney, he married and relocated to Helena in the early 1970s for work with Harold Grovom, who mentored him in all aspects of the construction industry.
With his first wife, LeRoy had two sons, Brandon and Rande. His love for them was constant, and he always provided unwavering support, cherishing the moments they spent together. Above all, LeRoy was incredibly proud of their military service, holding deep respect and admiration for the sacrifices they made. He was particularly proud of the impressive nearly 70 years of military service shared between him and his sons.
In January 1987 LeRoy married the love of his life, Carolyn (Niland). They found joy in living by the lake, boating, camping, and sharing a passion for NASCAR. LeRoy and Carolyn created many cherished memories on trips to places like Mexico, Hawaii, Las Vegas, various NASCAR events, and visiting their grandchildren. He remained lovingly by her side, providing care and support until her passing in 2013.
In the early 1980s, LeRoy joined the Montana Army National Guard. He held numerous positions; senior sergeant in charge of Training Aids and Support Center (TASC), operations sergeant for Training Site Headquarters, responsible for managing training and live fire ranges at Fort Harrison and Limestone Hills, and instructor for enlisted national guard soldiers earning commission as an officer. Throughout his service, LeRoy received numerous military commendations, plaques, and awards in recognition of his dedication and the outstanding support he provided to every unit that passed through the gates of Fort Harrison, Montana.
LeRoy also proudly served as a member of the Honor Guard at Fort Harrison for over 21 years. His unwavering dedication to duty was witnessed by countless individuals, especially those attending the services of service members laid to rest at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
After 28 years of military service, LeRoy retired in 2004 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. He “flunked retirement” and returned to construction, owning Sarge’s Handyman Service. In addition to contract work and flipping houses, LeRoy was involved in multiple volunteer projects consisting of Memorial Park’s Lewis and Clark Veteran’s Monument, Soldier’s Park on Fort Harrison, and the Liberty House on Fort Harrison’s VA Medical Center campus. Even months before his passing, LeRoy remained dedicated to ensuring the ongoing preservation of these local military monuments.
LeRoy remained dedicated to military service throughout his life, actively participating and becoming a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 10010, 1116, 12177, and 15027, as well as the American Legion Post 0002. He was also a founding member of the Lewis and Clark Memorial Veterans Foundation. His involvement extended to various military events hosted by these organizations including marching in parades, assisting with pancake breakfasts, and placing American flags on the graves of service members at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Additionally, during the Montana Army National Guard’s deployment to Iraq in 2004-2005 for OIF II, he co-chaired the local Adopt-A-Sock program. LeRoy was instrumental in leading the initiative and gathering essential supplies for care packages sent to Montana National Guard troops overseas.
Many of LeRoy’s contributions went unrecognized, from helping those in need or the elderly to providing neighborhood children with a warm, safe place to wait for the school bus. He consistently put others before himself. Known by many names— “Hendy”, “Sarge”, “Lee”, “Bubbles”, “Mr. Henderson”, and “Papa” —he will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 26 years Carolyn Henderson, sister Kathleen Stuart, parents Harry and Harriette Henderson, and several close friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children Brandon Henderson of Buda, TX, and Rande (Stephanie) Henderson of Helena, MT, his grandchildren Christian, Ashlee, Emalee, and Colin Henderson, his sister Cecelia Garcia of Sequin, TX, and numerous relatives and friends.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:30 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Appx 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately Following Graveside Service
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Papa Ray's
20 Mt Hwy 518
Clancy, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:30 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Appx 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately Following Graveside Service
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Papa Ray's
20 Mt Hwy 518
Clancy, Montana
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Donald Antonietti says
Sorry about your loss
(CW4 retired) Wade Van Gilder says
R.I.P. my friend, longtime coworker. Wearing a military uniform with you was a honor.
Kristine Fife says
We lived next door to the Hendersons on the K streets. My children adored “Mr. Henderson”. He always let the elementary kids wait for the bus in his warm garage. He would take my girls for rides on his lawnmower and help them fix their bikes. He removed one of the slats in his fence so my kids could come and go between our yards. They would chat while he worked in the yard or just share a glass of lemonade. He was a dear man and we were blessed to know him.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Leroy was a long time National Guard buddy so thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Cate Shackelford says
Leroy was the best brother in law ! He loved my sister and took such good care of her. What a loss for the family. You are in my prayers Rande, Stephanie, and Brandon.
Allan V Stricker says
Randy, Stephanie, and Brandon,
So very sorry for your loss. Leroy left behind a legacy of service to his country and the City of Helena. The many things he did for the Montana Amry National Guard are pretty well recognized. However, the very many things he did for the Helena area probably went mostly unrecognized since he was still the “Sarge” and like sergeants everywhere he accomplished so much that wasn’t recognized. It didn’t matter if it was urns for those without money, mowing lawns for elderly neighbors, community projects for General Prendergast, providing neighbor kids a safe, warm place to wait for the school bus, etc. Leroy did so many things.
He was s true friend to so many. He was one of those guys who would truly give you the shirt of his back. If there was something that needed doing; Leroy did it without expecting any thanks other than maybe a cold beer the next time he saw you at Papa Ray’s, or the Legion, or Jorgenson’s.
Rest in peace my friend – knowing you was an honor indeed.