John Francis Henderson, Sr., 98, of Rockport, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, surrounded by family.
John was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on November 16, 1926, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Elder) Henderson.
John was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Rockport, where he sang in the church choir for 60 years and had taught Sunday School. He was also a former Grand Knight in the Rockport Knights of Columbus.
John was a radio man in the United States Navy, having served on the LST 452, in the Pacific Theater, China and the Philippines. He was also the first Post Commander of Rockport American Legion Post 254, and a lifetime member of the Legion.
John retired from Whirlpool, where he worked in the machine shop. He was a dedicated employee, never missing a day of work.
He enjoyed fishing, gardening and crossword puzzles, but he especially loved his tomato plants and tomato farming. He also volunteered at the nursing home, calling Bingo until COVID closed it down.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Sue Henderson, who passed away in 2018, and his siblings, Pauline, Marcelline, Ilean, Leo, Carl, Joe, Florence and Tom.
He is survived by his children, John Francis Henderson Jr. and his wife, Rochelle, Thomas Eugene Henderson and his wife, Angela, Roberta Marcelline Gilley and her husband, Tim, Elizabeth Ann Harp and her husband, James, Susan Pauline Biggs and her husband, Carlos, and Emily Jo Bruner and her husband, Charles; 21 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; his sister, Emily Miller, and many extended family and friends.
Services were held Monday, July 28, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Rockport. Burial followed at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery with military honors.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
