Jeffers Bend Environmental Center is home to a new pawpaw tree as of Thursday morning—a fitting choice for the man it is set to honor, Paul Henson.
Henson served on Hopkinsville City Council for many years, from 2007 until his passing in 2020 following a battle with cancer. During his time on city council, Henson was known for his passion for this community and his dedication to serving Ward 4 and on numerous boards.
One of those boards was for the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, and on Thursday morning, CEO and President Derrick Watson reflected on him, saying Henson was always a joy to work with.
Watson was joined by the Henson family, who gathered along with other community members and the Master Gardener’s Association to plant a sapling in honor of Henson. Mayor J.R. Knight says Henson always knew his stuff, and worked hard to move the city forward.
His son, Tony Henson, says almost everyone has a story involving Paul Henson, from his helping establish the Hopkinsville Transit System, his work on flood mitigation in the city and much more, but to him—he’s just dad.
Paul Henson’s tree was planted by his son, his grandson, and his great-granddaughter, and will stay as reminder of Henson’s own steadfast presence for years to come.
