David Gregory Henson

David Gregory Henson was born in Mercedes, Texas, to I.B. Henson Jr. and Christine Humberson Henson on October 22,1946. He passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 17, 2026, just shy of his 80th birthday. David's early years were spent in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The family then moved to Stephenville, Texas where David spent his high school years and part of college. He contracted polio at a young age and spent considerable time in hospitals far away from his family. Despite this hardship and pain, David lived a long and full life. He ran with the collegiate bull riders in Stephenville; slid down a slope on a dead mule deer before hauling it out (following a well-placed shot); rode his beloved Triumph and Harley cycles everywhere; ran white water rivers; played guitar in rock bands; and explored much of the Native American geography and lore in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Everyone who knew David probably has a different story about him and his exploits (some which shouldn't be published).

David met Laura Asman, who worked for him, at Salt Lake Community College in 1996. They were later married in Stephenville, Texas on December 23, 2002. Over 20 years, David taught English classes at Salt Lake Community College at night, and he ran the English Computer Writing Lab during the day. Prior to that, he evaluated the English Assessment essays for students applying to attend Salt Lake Community College. David was a good brother to his siblings, Bob/Bobby, Janis, and Kenny, and a good uncle to his nephews, Eric Shull, Trent Shull, and Chris Henson.

David deeply loved his mother and chose to have her photo watching over him in his last days. He prided himself on his ability to cook almost as well as his mother. David was also a good son to his daddy-a kind but tough man who protected him through a difficult childhood, and who taught David a lot about "fixin' stuff." David instilled in his nephew, Chris Henson, a love of rivers, which Chris hopes to pass on to the next generation of Hensons.

David's knowledge of numerous topics was impressive, and if he didn't know anything about a topic, he'd bluff his way through the conversation with his considerable intellect. David gave all of us a place to sit and talk, whenever it was needed, and we are eternally grateful to him for this. David's last few years were a struggle as his polio maladies returned, making it difficult to get around and enjoy the things that made David, David. His wife, Laura, took great care of him, which allowed him, despite his constant pain, to be reasonably comfortable in his last years. He was able to sit in his favorite recliner and watch endless hours of golf, tennis, billiards, and old westerns, especially John Wayne. David died without pain, at home, which is what he wanted. Rest in peace, David, you earned it. David has passed on, but his stories, and our stories about David, will live forever.

David was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Jennifer Henson Smith, his mother and daddy, and his younger brother, Kenny Henson. David is survived by his loving wife, Laura Asman, his son Noah Henson, his brother, Bob Henson, his sister, Janis Shull, and his nephews, Chris Henson, Trent Shull, and Eric Shull and family. David is also survived by his mother-in-law, Nancy Cooney, and his brothers-in law Ed Asman and Dave Asman. He was also preceded in death by Richard Cooney, Laura's stepfather, who could match him in endless conversation.

Laura would like to thank McDougal Funeral Home for handling David's cremation. She also sends her love and thanks to the team at Cascade Springs Home and Hospice, especially Juan Orellana, Brookie Halverson, Natalie Haveron, Hillary B, and Jonathon. Their love, warmth, and care for David and Laura was outstanding and will not be forgotten.

David, you are the love of my lifetime, and I will miss you every day. Thank you for sharing your huge heart and soul with me. I love and adore you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salt Lake City Mission or the Wounded Warrior Project.