Joe Paul Henderson, age 75, of Bella Vista , Arkansas , formerly of Magnet Cove, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 in the Claremore Veteran's Center in Claremore , Oklahoma after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on October 19, 1936 in Bonnerdale , Arkansas to the late E. W. "Pete" Henderson and Dona Mae Ballard Henderson. Reared and receiving his early education in Magnet Cove, he graduated from Arkansas Tech in Russellville in 1958. Paul was a United States Army veteran and served in Viet Nam . He worked as a project engineer for Jacobs Engineering Group in Pasadena , California and Weldon Springs , Missouri . Paul enjoyed photography, bike riding, canoeing, and being outdoors.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Henderson, a sister, Patsy Campbell, and a step-daughter, Virginia Young Tucker.

His survivors include his wife, Barbara Henderson of Bella Vista, Arkansas, to whom he was married on July 19, 1984 in Magnet Cove; a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Dean Stewart of Mitchell, Indiana; step children, John Murry Young of Seligman, Missouri, and Karen Horton and husband Stan of Fayetteville, Arkansas; two grandsons, John Alan Stewart (Blair) and Scott Stewart (Heather); two great-granddaughters, Avry Brooke Stewart and Shay Meredith Stewart; and two brothers, Gene Henderson of Magnet Cove, and Don Henderson (Patricia) of Lillian, Alabama.

No services are planned at this time, but his ashes will ultimately be interred in the family plot at the Magnet Cove Cemetery .

The family wishes to acknowledge Paul's physician, Dr. Michael Whinery, and the staff of Claremore Veteran's Center for their exemplary care.

Memorials are requested to Western Regional Arkansas Alzheimer's Office, 320 N. Greenway Avenue , Fort Smith , Arkansas 72901 .

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.