Evansville, IN – Longtime Evansville resident and barber George Henson passed away May 3, 2022, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was 92 years old. George was born January 11, 1930, to John Morgan Henson and Gertrude (Hayes) Henson. He was predeceased by six siblings and was married for 51 years to Carol Williams Henson until her death in 2018. George is survived by niece Alice Johnson (Rick), and by in-laws Donald Williams, James and Gloria Williams and Jennie Robertson.
George graduated from Central High School and was on the football and track teams. He was drafted into the Korean War and served as Corporal in the U.S. Army Artillery Field in Germany where he was on the Army football team. George participated in the Southern Indiana Honor Flight for veterans in 2018 and was very proud of his military service. He was a lifetime member of Reed Masonic Lodge #316, Scottish Rite, Hadi Shrine, Bethel Temple and the Saints Alive Choir. An avid sports fan, George supported the Aces and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
George graduated from Indiana State Barber College and owned/operated the VIP Barber Shop for 69 years. He never retired. Anyone getting a trim or cut was automatically surrounded by his good humor and genuine affection.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hadi Shrine Transportation Fund, 6 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708; Bible Fellowship Hour, 4400 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714; or Charlier Hospice Center, 610 E. Walnut, Evansville, IN 47713.
A private memorial service is scheduled.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Kathy Richmond says
George was a very nice man u would ever meet. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I would call George, grandpa George because he WAS like a grandpa to me. He took me under his wings when I first came to Bethel church.
Kathy Richmond says
My thought and prayers are with the entire family
Charlie Alvey says
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. We spent many cutting sessions talking about life in general.
George was steadfast, reliable and talented. I only knew George as a barber. He was a fine one. With George goes a little bit more of the old time barber tradition.
He will be missed.
Lani Sampsel says
Remembering all the laughter & joy George brought to the family reunions. I’m grateful to have met him & get to know him. Sending loving prayers & warm hugs.
Susan (Reynolds) Shoaff says
We loved George as a great friend. He was always so kind, happy and nice to everyone.
How happy I was on March 27th – when he stepped out of the church choir and sang Happy Birthday to me!
We were so very happy we could get the Lakeside Manor clubhouse for my “uncle” George’s 90th Birthday Party!
He loved the Scottish Rite pin my now deceased husband – Irvin Reynolds – gave him. After Irvin died, I gave George a Scottish Rite pin with a barber pole, which he loved.
We know our dear friend is now out of pain and in a better place!
Sincerely,
Susan (Reynolds) and Don Shoaff
Dan Armstrong says
George Henson was my barber for probably more than 40 years. Lyle Bell, his partner, also cut my hair until his death 21 years ago. George’s passing saddens me. Living up to his shop’s name, he treated his customers like VIPs (and kidded them). George loved the barber cartoons my brother produced as a syndicated comic strip creator. George hung them in his shop. Sympathy, prayers and best wishes for George’s relatives.
Ralph Anderson says
George was my barber for close to 50 years. He was more than a barber to me. I looked forward each month to the good conversation and camaraderie at the barbershop. Rest in peace my friend!
Dan Armstrong says
George Henson cut my hair for probably more than 40 years. Lyle Bell, his partner in the shop, also was my barber until his death 21 years ago. George’s passing saddens me and also my artist brother, Tom Armstrong. George loved the barber cartoons created by Tom, a syndicated comic strip cartoonist. George hung them in his shop and pointed them out to customers. Sympathy, prayers and best wishes for George’s family.
Stephen C Gubler says
I have the honor and privilege of sitting next to George and his lovely wife at the old Robert stadium, section K, row four, seats one and two. George blew his basketball, and we had a lot of lively chats as to what the coaches should have done. And they just followed our advice they would’ve never lost a game. I will always remember that Mrs. Henson had a bag of popcorn at every game, and her gold toothpick. My deepest sympathies on the passing of George, but now he is again with his lovely bride forever, never to be separated again.
Steve Gubler
Port Charlotte, Fl
Bud Smith says
I had the pleasure of knowing George for over 40 years. The best barber in town and a great guy. He always said, “the haircuts free, it’s the entertainment that costs”. I am very sad to see his passing. Prayers for him and family. RIP George, you will be missed.