Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Jack Henderson, 90

Jack Henderson, 90, of Jacksonville passed away on February 8, 2020.  He was born on October 10, 1929 in Saugus, Massachusetts.  He is preceded in death by his father William Henderson of County Durham, England and his mother Louise (Lawrence) of Everett, Massachusetts. He started his military career in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Compton during the United Nations Palestine Patrol of 1948.  Jack later joined the USAF in 1954 as an Airborne Radio Operator and became a Flight Engineer on C-130’s.  He retired in 1980 as a Chief Master Sergeant after running the flight school at Little Rock Air Force Base for many years.

He is a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1966 and 1969, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Korean Service Medal.

Jack leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Christine (Massey) Henderson; three sons Jon, Joe and Jeff; daughter Jackie and a very special treasured step-daughter Gina Richey; and grandson Hayden Richey. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Maggie Short; nephew Stephen Massey; niece Natasha Massey, all of London, England, and a houseful of beloved rescue dogs.

Jack was an avid fisherman, a Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, and he loved animals.  He and his wife Christine co-founded the Jacksonville Friends of the Animals, a charity that raises money for the Jacksonville Animal Shelter where Christine volunteers.  She would always bring home the old, sick and unadoptable dogs to “foster”.  He never complained and would often ask “who have you brought home today?”, when she returned from the shelter.  He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Jacksonville Friends of the Animals, PO BOX 386, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72078.

Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

5 Comments

  • Archie Green Posted February 12, 2020 12:10 PM

    I served with Jack for many years in the Air Force. So very sorry to hear of his passing. May God give you comfort that only He can give during this time of loss.

  • Nancy doyle Posted February 12, 2020 12:30 PM

    You are in my prayers

  • Karen Moler Posted February 12, 2020 1:26 PM

    So sorry for your loss

  • Charles J Mettler Posted February 12, 2020 5:14 PM

    RIP my friend.

  • ANNA DENBY Posted March 3, 2020 1:37 PM

    MEMORIES OF JACK WILL FOREVER IN MINE AND MELANIE,S HEART THE DOG FATHER. AND FRIEND. LOVE CHRISTINE FAMILIES DOG.S ANN FAMILIES

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