Obituary of John F. Henderson, Sr.

Master Sgt. John F. Henderson, Sr. of Columbia passed peacefully at his home on May 24 at the age of 81.

John was born in Clarksburg, W.Va., to Clarence L. “Lanky” Henderson and Goldie Barbe Henderson.  He grew up in Cowen, W.Va., where he shared his love for music and his musical talent in several small dance bands.  John played the trumpet for bands in Charleston, Buchanan, Richwood and Webster Springs, W.VA., as well as his hometown.  He also was a member of the Army marching band.  John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring from the Army in 1975.  His tours of duty included three assignments to Germany.  He was most proud of being a drill sergeant and training more than 40 cycles of basic trainees at Fort Jackson.  John was proud of his service and loved his country.

After retiring from the Army, John worked at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia for 20 years where he retired as the Chief of Supply, Processing and Distribution.  Afterwards he spent his time tenderly caring for his yard, serving on the Hickory Ridge Neighborhood Association and caring for his dogs Frazier, Niles, Baby and his grandpups. John was Presbyterian by faith and a member of the Upper Glade Presbyterian Church, Upper Glade, W.Va.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sidell, and their four children: Debra of Hopkins; John Jr. (Tina) of Corinth, Texas; Mark (Cheryl) of North Canton, Ohio; and Elaine of Lexington; his twin grandchildren, Caitlin (Josh) Gomez of Blythewood and Austin Northcutt of Hopkins, grandson, Lucas Henderson of Lexington and great-grandson Roman Gomez.  He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Kelly Northcutt and great-granddaughter, Caidence Northcutt. 

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia.  Graveside services with full military rites will be held promptly at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.  John asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Pawmetto LifeLine, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212 or Hero’s Vest Fund, P.O. Box 1851, Lexington, SC, 29071.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the hands that gently cared for John.  Your memory and kindness will always be in our hearts. 

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com