ALAMOSA — Longtime Alamosa resident Donald (Don) Eugene Henson, 82, passed away on Dec. 18, 2019.

Don was born on Jan. 4, 1937 in Alamosa to Curtis Clyde and Frances (Schoenberger) Henson.

Don married Carolyn Faye McGinnis on Oct. 9, 1960 in Alamosa.

Don chose banking as a profession. He began his career in Alamosa as a teller at the Alamosa National Bank and worked his way into various positions, including loan officer. After moving to California, he worked in Riverside and Los Angeles as a loan officer and branch manager.  He returned to the Valley and finished his career in Monte Vista. Don served his country as a reservist in the Army National Guard and in the United States Air Force. He was a 50-plus year member of the Alamosa Elks Lodge, BPOE 1297 and bartended there for a short time.

He had a passion for art that started at a very young age. He was most noted for his printing and calligraphy. He created signs, hand-made Christmas ornaments, and most recently built bird houses.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (Carrie) Henson, Curtis Henson, and Christopher Henson; his grandchildren, Cole, Cameron, Cailyn, Cristyn, Samantha and Shelby, as well as his sister, Patti Bates.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents, Curtis and Frances; and his siblings, Harold, Genevieve, Theresa, Dorothy, Virginia and Yvonne.