Gerald P. Henderson

CHARLESTON, IL – Gerald P. Henderson, age 82 of Charleston and formerly of Newman, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  There will be no public visitation or service and he will be inurned at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston at a later date.   Memorials in his honor may be made to Mooseheart or to a charity of the donor’s preference and may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Jerry, as he was known to many, was born July 18, 1937 in Newman, Illinois and was a son of Wayne and Mary (Payne) Henderson.  He married Betty Lou (Mitchell) in August of 1969 and they shared nearly 39 years of marriage prior to her death on May 25, 2008.  Left to cherish their many fond memories are his children, Gary Henderson and wife Susan of Pharr, Texas, Mick Henderson and wife Claire of Clarksville, Tennessee and Jodi Maloy and husband Tim of Charleston; a daughter-in-law, Lori Henderson of Charleston; a stepdaughter, Karen Bence and husband Mike of Atlanta, Georgia; 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a brother, Chuck Henderson of St. Charles, Missouri; as well as nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Gordon Henderson; two sisters, Dorothy Long and Mary Ann Teter; and a brother, Don Henderson. 

Jerry was a graduate of Eastern Illinois High School in Charleston and was employed for many years at Oce Bruning.  He was a Life Member of the Loyal Order of Moose – Charleston Lodge #1388.  In his younger years he was quite the equestrian and has always enjoyed bass fishing and gardening.   Jerry loved to talk and to socialize and never grasped the meaning of the word “stranger” – he could talk with anyone.   He was dearly loved by his family and many friends and his presence will be missed.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald P. Henderson, please visit our floral store.