Milt Henderson spent a lifetime loving youth and encouraging them to be the best possible persons they could become.

Milt became involved in ISU Extension work in 1946 and served on the local, area and state level. At one time Milt could name all the 4-H members in the six counties he served in southern Iowa. In addition to impacting so many club programs, youth, and their volunteer leaders he served 25 years as swine superintendent at the Iowa State Fair, head of the State Fair Livestock and grain judging contests, dean of delegates at State 4-H Conference, head of delegates at the American Royal 4-H Conference in Kansas City, organizer of the 4-H United Fund and of the 4-H Interstate Exchange program. Milt served the 4-H program and residents of Iowa until 1974 when health matters caused him to resign from the youth work he so dearly loved.

Milt also served as a pastor for 10 years and was involved with community activities and youth events as long as he was able. His dedication to youth development was lifelong and outstanding. He believed in getting the most he could out of life and was willing to put much into living in exchange. Governor Terry Branstad honored him in 1989 for his contribution to his community as a volunteer.

Milt Henderson's values, character, and role modeling have made a difference in several generations of Iowans through his dedication to 4-H.

SOURCE: iowa4hfoundation.org/index.cfm/30678/1698/2002_ringgold_county__milt_henderson
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2015