Larry Wes "Captain Dee-Fense" Henson

Larry Llwellyn “Wes” Henson born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 23, 1950 to the late Irvin Henson and Alverta McCree, passed on October 5, 2025 at the age of 75. Larry “Wes” graduated from Northwestern High School, class of 1969. There he played football and basketball and it was there that he picked up the name “Wes” in tribute to NBA’s Wes Unseld, who playedfor the old Baltimore Bullets and successor teams. While in high school, he met LaVerne Rondon, who became his high school sweetheart. On December 18,1971 he married his high school sweetheart LaVerne, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, service—and a shared love for community. Wes answered the call of duty, serving in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic technician for 24 years before retiring in 1995. After retiring from the Navy, he continued to serve his country through federal government work, carrying forward the same dedication and integrity that defined his service years. For almost 30 years Larry “Wes” was a huge fan of the Baltimore Ravens and affectionately known as “Captain Dee-Fense” to the fan base.— a larger-than-life superfan whose booming chants and spirited presence became synonymous with game day. For nearly three decades, he energized M&T Bank Stadium and Ravens events in his trademark captain’s hat, purple and white camouflage pants, military tags, aviator shades, black combat boots with purple shoelaces, and oversized “D” and “Fence” cutouts, rallying the Flock with a passion that was second to none. Wes never saw himself as just a fan but a people person, who loved to make those around him feel at ease. He was an ambassador of joy and community. He visited many hospitals, including children’s hospitals, supported youth and anti-bullying efforts, raised funds for many organizations of those in need, and shared his energy to local charities. Larry “Wes”, Sitting in section 513, row 17, at home games, “Wes” became a goodwill ambassador for the team. With his radiant smile, and jokes, he believed in his heart that life was meant to be lived, so he spread that infectious energy to those around him. His wife LaVerne said that he was easy going and that he loved family events and going out to eat seafood, steak and potatoes. His daughter Chandra stated that he stressed the importance of being there for your children. She recalled his love for taking his grandson to the airport to watch planes land and take off. While Ravens fans knew him as Captain Dee-Fense, to his family he was simply Larry — a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and proud grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Laverne Henson; daughters Donella Oleston and Chandra Wilson; grandchildren Raymond Wilson III and Aria Oleston; and sisters Anna Mae Jones, Marlene Makle, Marsha Bannister, Serena Henson, and Michelle (Lisa) Henson — along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Captain Dee-Fense loved his Ravens, and his Ravens loved him right back. His spirit will live on every time the crowd rises for third down, every time the chant of “Dee-Fense!” fills the air, and every time a fan throws on their purple and remembers the man who made them believe they were part of something bigger. Rest easy, Captain. The Flock will carry the cheer from here.

Tributes

Larry Wes "Captain Dee-Fense" Henson

August 23, 1950 - October 5, 2025