March 29, 2024

Newton man honored at Pearl Harbor memorial service

Thursday marked 76th anniversary of the attack

Connie DeKoning never got to meet her second cousin who was killed at Pearl Harbor more than 70 years ago. However, stories of the Newton seaman who went down on the USS Arizona still filter throughout the community from time to time.

William Henderson was 20 years old when he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1940. A handful of people attended a memorial ceremony Thursday at Union Cemetery in Newton in honor of his service.

The memorial was put together when Union Cemetery sexton Tim Halferty observed Henderson’s memorial grave and he contacted the American Legion.

“I called our commander and veterans and we got in touch with DeKoning,” Wally Schermerhorn of American Legion Post 111 said. “It’s what we do for our brothers and their families.”

Schermerhorn said he found DeKoning’s name and contact information Wednesday and she was floored to discover her cousin had a memorial in Newton.

“There’s no words,” DeKoning said. “We need to show how proud we are and we wouldn’t have the chances we have today without our veterans.”

DeKoning, of Newton, said she visits Union Cemetery to visit other relatives and now she said she will be sure to make a stop at Henderson’s memorial.

“I’m sure the Lord was with them at Pearl Harbor,” DeKoning said. “I’m honored they called me, they (veterans) need our support especially right now.”

Kurt Jackson, director of the Jasper County Department of Veterans Affairs, said he has heard a story about Henderson multiple times.

“He was dressed in uniform and he went down to the pinball arcade in Newton and asked a couple of kids if he could join them,” Jackson said. “They said absolutely, and so when they were done playing pinball, he gave each of them 25 cents.”

Jackson said a quarter back in those days meant a lot.

“I think it’s very important that we still gather to commemorate his sacrifice for our country,” Jackson said.

Schermerhorn escorted DeKoning during the memorial as the two placed a wreath by his name. Local veterans attended the memorial to wave American flags and give a three-volley salute.

“Around 5 a.m. Dec. 7, 1941 William gave his life along with thousands of others on USS Arizona and his body is in a tomb at Pearl Harbor,” Schermerhorn said.

Contact Kayla Singletary at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or ksingletary@newtondailynews.com