Twin Brothers Attribute Longevity of Life to Obeying God’s Commandments and Living Word of Wisdom

Boyd and Ralph Henderson are twin brothers. They were born in Arimo, Idaho, on 6 September 1918, with Boyd born about two hours before Ralph. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly referred to as the Mormon Church) and they are also World War II veterans.

The stock market crash of 1929 led the family to Pocatello, where the twins grew up working side by side in the family feed store. In 1936, Boyd and Ralph graduated from Pocatello High School. They attended a year of college and considered missionary service when the radio announced Ralph’s draft number in 1941. They decided to enlist in the National Guard and became a part of the 183rd Field Artillery Battalion.

Before celebrating their centennial birthdays with family and friends in early October 2018, they shared some of the life lessons they have learned over a lifetime as members of the Church. They were asked what difference the gospel of Jesus Christ has made in their lives. They both agreed that it has made all the difference.

Boyd Henderson said, “It is the only thing, the main thing in my life. That is why I am 100 years old today, because I have kept the commandments that have been given to me.” His slightly young brother, Ralph, added, “Well, you have to keep the commandments. They are essential in life. I don’t know why all these things have come upon me to live this long, but I am trying to keep the commandments, and someday I will go back to my Father in heaven and to my (wife) Lena.”

The twins are also firm believers in observing the Church’s health code as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 89. In a priesthood blessing given by their father before their service in World War II, they, along with two other brothers and one brother-in-law, were promised that if they observed the Word of Wisdom and obeyed God’s commandments, they would be protected and return home safely. They never forgot that promise, and all five returned home safely.

 

As a demonstration of their faith and devotion, the Henderson brothers sold some of their K rations and collected enough money to buy lumber and supplies to build, with the help of other Latter-day Saint soldiers, a small chapel for worship services on the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean.

Speaking about the Word of Wisdom, Boyd Henderson commented, “There is a blessing there. There are a lot of people who don’t understand it and I explain it to them. That is why I think I am here today because I kept the commandments of God and kept the Word of Wisdom.”

Before being deployed overseas, both brothers married their sweethearts. While on a three-day leave, Boyd was sealed to Ethel Chilton in the Salt Lake Temple. When his convoy to the West Coast stopped to refuel in Pocatello, Ralph arranged to marry his high school sweetheart, Lena Rawlins, in less than four hours.

During the war, Boyd and Ralph served in parts of North Africa and Europe and did their best to stay in touch with one another. They were among the first troops to enter Rome and returned home with a Nazi flag as a souvenir.

After the war, the Henderson brothers settled down with their families and opened a sawmill in the Salmon National Forest. Later, they started the Henderson Lumber Company in Pocatello.

Boyd Henderson served as a county commissioner, a stake president, and later as a mission president in Melbourne, Australia. Ralph’s wife, Lena, suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. Ralph was her caretaker for 14 years up until the time of her death in 2001. A year later, he married LeNore Thompson Smedley.

Ralph and Lena had five children together, with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed in later years. His daughter, Julie Henderson Monroe, remarked that the 100^th birthday celebration was worth it to see so many people gather to pay honor to her father. In a text message, she said, “The party was an amazing experience to see so many people come to not only wish him (Ralph) a happy birthday but to thank him for the powerful impact his example and service has had on their life. I was told countless stories about my dad’s Christlike love and service. As I thought of his long life, I was overwhelmed to think of the thousands who have been a recipient of his goodness.” She continues, “He faithfully attends church, has a ministering assignment and constantly asks me what more he could do to serve. He has limited eyesight and hearing, not to mention his compromised heart function since his attack in April. He just keeps going, and I know it isn’t easy for him.”

Boyd’s wife, Ethel, died in 2011. They also have a large posterity, including dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His daughter, Melanie Henderson Allen, helped to create a display showcasing her father’s life and was thrilled to see some of his missionaries visit with him at the party. She said, “I prayed they would be able to live and reach their 100th birthdays. He was so involved in serving others. He served God and kept the commandments. That was first in his life. … He’s a faithful guy.

Boyd has lived a full and rich life. He is a patriot, has served as a church leader, has been a BYU football season ticket holder since the 1970s, and has a passion for water-skiing, although it has been a while since he has been able to do that. He is also an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award.

Boyd’s son, Jason, sees his father as a real-life hero. He said, “It’s hard to put into words how I feel. Most boys grow up and idolize different people, a ballplayer or movie star. I can honestly say I have never idolized or held up anyone like I have my dad. He is the genuine article. After the war, he did everything he was supposed to do for his family. He served in his church and community. In all the different facets, he lived the way we hope we can live. I just want to emulate what he did. He has lived in a way that speaks volumes.”