Royal Henderson

Lt Col. Royal Bartlett Henderson USAFR Ret. passed away January 6, 2013 at his home in Provo, Utah. He was born in Vernal, UT August 25, 1920 to William Sydney and May Bartlett Henderson. He grew up in Vernal, helping with the family motel business. Royal graduated from Uintah High where he was active in band and was the stage manager for school plays. Royal loved flying, he was one of the first students in the USAC (USU) aeronautical program, and at the age of 19, piloted a Piper Cub from New Jersey to Utah. He graduated in Radio Engineering from USAC where he was president of the Thespian Club, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and ROTC. In March of 1942, Royal married Elaine Lichfield. He entered the army after graduation as a 2nd LT. During WW II, he served in Panama, then Moses Lake, WA. He continued his military career in the Air Force Reserves, reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel and was the commander of the 962 Air Force Reserve Recovery Squadron. In 1968 he was appointed the liaison officer for the Air Force Academy.

Upon returning from WW II he was a successful home builder in SLC and Provo with Elaine's father William G Lichfield, and was the first president of the Utah Valley Home Builders Association. In 1954 he returned to Vernal to take over the family business at the Dinosaur Motor Lodge. Royal expanded the motel and grew the business to what is now the Best Western Dinosaur Inn. He also continued to build in Vernal, including; homes, offices, and the round Congregational Church. He was a leader and active member of many civic and business organizations, including Lions, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, DinoMites, Utah Tourism Council. Royal was an active member of the Utah Hotel/Motel Association and was often recognized for his work promoting travel to Utah and Dinosaur Land. When Royal finally retired, he became an avid gardener, growing tomato bushes that reached well above his head.

Royal will be missed by his wife Elaine, 7 children Rolaine and Claud Glazier, Syd and Helen Henderson, Katie Barnett, Ann and Robyn Reid, Bart Henderson, Claudia and David Cottle, and Russell and Jenny Henderson. Also missing him are 27 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan 12, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center, Provo, Utah. Burial will be Tuesday Jan 15, at the Vernal Memorial Park Cemetery, beginning at 1:30 pm. An informal open house and celebration of Royal's life will be held at the Vernal Stake Center, 850 West 100 North, immediately following the interment. Everyone is invited to come share memories of Royal with his family and friends.