He was born on January 13, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Frank Paul and Clara Alice “Billie” (Maninger) Henderson. He was raised in Wichita, and attended local schools, graduating from Wichita East High School. He later attended Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1956 with a Master of Science.

On Feb. 10, 1957, Robert was united in marriage to Karen Lee Hollinger in Russell. They made their home in southern Greenwood County. Robert worked for O.A. Sutton supporting the wildlife on the Bar S Ranch. The family later moved to Kadoka, South Dakota while Robert was working for the South Dakota Game and Fish Department as a biologist. To this union, two children were born.

They later returned to Kansas where he worked for the KSU Cooperative Extension Service for 27 years.

During that time, he worked up to full professorship. In 1995, the family retired to Flat Rock Ranch near Hamilton, where he lived for the remainder of his days.

Robert was a member of the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Emporia; Fidelity Masonic Lodge #106, the Wildlife Society, and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of the home; two children, Tammy Davis and partner, Michael Mallek of Hamilton; Todd Henderson of Edwardsville; five grandchildren: Justin; Patrick and partner, Hannah; Amanda; Darien; and Deanna; and one brother, David Melvin Henderson of Lago Vista, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation has been effected with private family scattering to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.