[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 188 (Thursday, November 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIVES AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF BOYD AND RALPH HENDERSON OF 
                            POCATELLO, IDAHO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2018

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
set of twins from Idaho: Boyd Frank Henderson and Ralph Jay Henderson, 
who recently celebrated their 100th birthday. Those 100 years were 
marked by dedicated service to their country, church, and community, 
and I wish to recognize them for their outstanding contributions to 
Idaho.
  As young men in 1941, the Henderson twins joined the United Sates 
Army. That same year, they left their wives and entered World War II in 
the 183 Field Artillery Battalion, fighting in North Africa and Europe. 
After being injured in combat, Boyd was awarded the Purple Heart and 
the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. Ralph showed extreme bravery 
and was awarded the Silver Star. Both learned and grew from their 
experiences in the United States Army and utilized these talents and 
skills throughout their lives.
  Before joining the Army, the Henderson twins enjoyed many of life's 
accomplishments together. They both graduated from Pocatello High 
School in 1936, and in 1937 participated in Boy Scout and an Eagle 
Scout Courts of Honor. In 1941, both were married: Boyd to Ethel 
Chilton and Ralph to Lena Rawlins.
  At the end of their tours of duty, the Henderson twills returned to 
Pocatello, Idaho. Boyd returned to his wife Ethel and had nine 
children. Ralph returned to his wife Lena and had five children. After 
Lena's passing, Ralph married LeNore Thompson Smedley in 2002.
  Boyd and Ralph opened Henderson Lumber shortly after returning from 
the war. The twins contributed substantially to building the community 
of Pocatello. They also contributed politically and served in various 
leadership positions in the community. Boyd served as a Bannock County 
Commissioner for six years.
  Boyd and Ralph were also both active in their church. In 1927, they 
were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
Both held unpaid, lay clergy positions that helped countless members of 
their church, and both were called to serve as Bishops in their 
geographical area. Boyd also held the position of Stake President and 
Regional Representative, as well as serving for three years in 
Australia as a Mission President.
  Few people live to be 100 years old and even fewer can share that day 
with a twin. Boyd and Ralph Henderson accomplished that on September 6, 
2018. They shared their 100th birthday with each other, their families, 
and their friends. The 100 years that Boyd and Ralph have lived have 
helped shape Pocatello into the place it is today. Unfortunately, Ralph 
passed away on November 5, 2018. He will be missed by many, but 
undoubtedly none more than his twin brother, Boyd.
  The family, friends, and community who have had the privilege of 
knowing Boyd and Ralph Henderson are proud of the lives they both have 
lived.

                          ____________________