Elmer E. Henderson, age 79 of Nebr. City, NE (formerly Union, NE) passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Syracuse Area Health in Syracuse, NE.

Elmer Elliott Henderson was born on July 8, 1945 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Oscar E. and Sylvia L. (Witherow) Henderson.  He grew up and attended school in the Union, NE area. 

He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17, on January 2, 1963 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1966.  During his service, Elmer received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

On October 23, 1970, Elmer was united in marriage to Catherine Sandra VanderVeen in Beatrice, NE.  He owned and operated the OnSite Gas Station in Union and later north of Union from 1982 to 2004.  Elmer enjoyed many hours of tinkering in his shop after his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion. 

He is survived by his children Patricia Chaney (Paul) of Nebr. City, NE and Dwain “Butch” Hardbarger (Missy) of Omaha, NE; three great-grandchildren:  Brittany Kurtzer (Jordan), Dustin Chaney (McKenzie) and Dalton Chaney (Kiya); seven great-grandchildren:  Hali Kurtzer, Dawson Chaney, Danielle Perez, Scoutt Chaney, Haisley Chaney, LaKeen Chaney and Tucker Chaney; six siblings:  Evelyn McSharry of Omaha, NE, LeRoy Henderson (Debra) of Corning, IA, Joe Henderson of Athens, IA, John Henderson (Cathy) of Nehawka, NE, Paulette Henderson of Murray, NE and Teresa Henderson of Nebr. City, NE; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife Sandy on June 28, 2023; his parents, Oscar and Sylvia Henderson and siblings:  Vicki Avery, Mary Lee, Elma Bates, Sarah Jones, Raymond Henderson and George Henderson.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City.

The family will gather to celebrate Elmer’s life at the Nehawka Community Building at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, NE on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.  Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Marines Funeral Honors Detail and the Omaha American Legion Post 1. 

Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.