Arcie Paul Henderson

October 22, 1934 - February 25, 2022

Arcie Paul Henderson, 87, of Muskogee, OK passed away on Friday, February 25th, 2022. He was born on October 22nd, 1934 in Amber, Oklahoma to S.J. Henderson and Lelah Frances Nelson Henderson. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; son, Matt Henderson of Tulsa, OK, his son Kelly and wife, Brooke, their son, Maddox and daughter, Everlee of Edmond, OK; daughter Carol and husband, Brian Austin, their son, Trevor and daughter Kelsi of Denver, CO; and two stepsons, Joel Stacy, and wife Judy of Broken Arrow, OK; Noel Stacy and wife Stephanie, their son Brian and wife Christina, their daughter Baylee and son, Racen, their daughter, Jessie Alexander and husband, Zach, their daughter Nora, and son, Oliver of Muskogee, OK. He was preceded in death by his siblings, E. W. “Dub” and Gearldine “Geri” Henderson. Arcie graduated from Sulphur High School in 1953. He served in the U.S Army as an Armor and Dog Handler with the 49th Infantry Scout Platoon in Ft. Lewis, WA from January 1955 to January 1957, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Oklahoma and initially attended Oklahoma State University before transferring to East Central State College in Ada, OK. Arcie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1961. That same year he began his career as a civil servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in New Orleans, LA, Brownsville, TX and Washington, D.C. through 1969. In 1969, Arcie chose to settle in Muskogee, OK and transitioned his federal service to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and retired as a Rating Specialist in June 1986. After more than 26 years of Federal service Arcie took the skills, he learned from the VA and began working as a National Service Officer with AMVETS, from June 1986 until December 1995, when he truly retired. Arcie was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, cowboy, farmer, coach, civil servant, disabled Veteran and most importantly an all-around great guy! Arcie was happiest out on the farm tending to his cattle and vegetable garden. He enjoyed his family, friends, barbequing, fishing, and other outdoor activities, particularly in his younger years. He was a member of many fraternal organization, such as Morning Optimist Club, Elks Lodge, DAV, AMVETS, and American Legion, among others. Arcie and his wonderful wife Charlene enjoyed more than 20 years of marriage. They enjoyed, travelling, NASCAR, old westerns, and occasionally trying their luck at the casinos. Arcie was a simple man, and you always knew where you stood with him. You could say he lived by the quotes of one of his favorite actors, John Wayne, “If everything isn't black and white, I say, 'Why the hell not?' He will be loved and missed by all those who knew him! A family conducted memorial service will be 10AM, Monday, March 14, 2022 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Chaplain Forrest Kirk officiating. Military Honors will be presented.