Claremore - Joseph Noel Franklin "Joe" Henderson

A memorial service to remember and celebrate the life of Joseph Noel Franklin Henderson will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the chapel at DeLozier Funeral Service. Joe left his temporary earthly home for his permanent heavenly home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.

Born in Tulsa, OK on May 18, 1936, to Prince Albert "PA" and Helen Elizabeth (Mallory) Henderson. Joe was raised and educated in the Oologah area and attended Oologah Public Schools. He continued his education at Tulsa Welding School. Joe faithfully served his country in the United States Army, where he received his honorable discharge. In 1963, Joe married the love of his life Carol Casey, and they became a blended family with 4 children, Randy,Janet, Ginger, and Joe Jr. Joe provided for his family with a lifetime career in pipeline welding. He was a member of the Pipeliners Local 798 for 67 years.

According to his family Joe liked to work, because he loved to weld. He did though have many other interests and hobbies. Joe knew his way around the kitchen and was quite the chef. It was because of this that he and wife Carol started a very successful business in Claremore, Cotton Eyed Joe's BBQ. They then moved to Noel, MO in 1985 and opened up another Cotton Eyed Joe's restaurant. Joe liked people and enjoyed a good conversation; this contributed to the success of his business. His daughter Ginger said that if her dad was your friend he was a good one. Joe and Carol both liked being outside and enjoyed yard work. You only had to drive by their house to see the fruits of their labor.

Ten years ago, Joe's son-in-law (Joe Erwin), had the honor of leading his father-in-law to Christ at the age of 79. It was life changing for both Joes and it made possible for the family to know that he and Carol are now together for eternity. If Joe could say anything to his family and friends, it would be to accept the gift of eternal life that God has so freely given.

Joe has left a legacy that will live on in the lives of his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Ginger Erin and husband Joe, Joe Henderson Jr., Randy Willis and wife Rhonda, Janet Hayes, and Molly the pooch. Joe was Papa Joe to numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson, brother, Raymond Henderson and wife Beverly, Kirk Koster a young man Joe considered to be another son, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Carol, grandsons, Tyler and Dustin Dost, sister, Lydia Henderson, brother, Melton Henderson and his wife Thelma, and son-in-law, Mike Hayes.

Please view and sign Joe's online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com