Billy Joe Henson, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 13, 2026, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital. He was 70 years old.

Born June 14, 1956, in Alabama to James and Beatrice (McClendon) Henson, Billy’s early years were shaped by the love and values of his family. After graduating high school, he chose a life of service and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 23, 1975. During his four years of honorable service, he worked as an MPO, earned both the Rifle Expert (1st AWD), and the Good Conduct Medal, and served his country proudly until his honorable discharge on May 29, 1979.

Following his military service, Billy’s tireless work ethic carried him through numerous jobs. Notably, he dedicated fifteen years as a truck driver, and later retired from Omega Cabinetry after ten years of loyal service. Billy was known for his straightforward nature, and his commitment to hard work.

Fate brought a special joy into his life when his brother hired Louise Mitchell as his housekeeper. Their story blossomed into love, and they were married on June 25, 2022, at the Rotary Reserve in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Billy’s devotion to Lou was evident to everyone who knew them, and their bond was a source of great happiness.

Billy found relaxation and fun cheering on his favorite sports teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Iowa Hawkeyes—and he never missed a good law and order show or western. Walks with his beloved dog, Jake, brought him simple pleasures and quiet companionship. Through all of life’s challenges, Billy embraced his journey with resilience. In recent months, he committed himself to Jesus, a faith that filled him with pride and comfort in his later days.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, James and Beatrice; and his siblings, Jimmy Henson, Shirley Henson, Bronda Johnson, Barbara Ann Henson, James Henson, Jeff Henson, Peggy Sue Henson, and Ruby Avis.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lou, of Evansdale, Iowa; his children, Joe and Jennifer Henson of Walnut, Illinois, James and Jeremy Henson of Waterloo, Iowa, Jessica Russell, and Leslie; two brothers, Craig Henson of Waterloo, Iowa and Dan Henson of Boone, Iowa; his sister, Darlene Cedillo of Texas; numerous grandchildren; and many other cherished family members and friends.

Services to honor Billy’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will take place following the service at Waterloo Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honor Guard and Evansdale Amvets Post 31.