John H. Henderson

John H. Henderson, born March 25, 1912, on the Henderson Ranch, Joplin, Texas to James H. and Carrie C. Henderson, crossed the Jordan on November 7, 2008. His funeral will be officiated by the Rev. Loury Drue Nero, at Joplin Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow immediately at Fairview Cemetery, Henderson Ranch Road, Joplin, Texas. The family plot overlooks the old homestead. A long-time resident of Weatherford, he was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John was born into a ranching tradition and vigorously pursued this calling throughout his long life. By dent of his intellect and tireless labor, he was able not only to survive tough times, but eventually coax prosperity from the crops, cattle and mineral operations conducted upon his beloved Jack County land, now family-owned for over 100 years. John was also a fair but formidable negotiator, skills learned from his father, an early 20th century horse-trader, who taught his sons to recongnize a good deal when it came along. John's ranching traditions and love of the land have been passed to his children and grandchildren, now a fifth generation of Hendersons, and have influenced our lives and careers. John was a good steward of the earth and a good shepherd to his family, always guiding and encouraging the growth of tender shoots. John's mother, Carrie, was a Normal School Teacher in Water Valley, Mississipi, and her love of learning inspired many of her children and grandchildren to enter the teaching profession. John was a teacher and public school administrator for 43 years. John attended Weatherford Junior College; received his Bachelor's Degree from North Texas State University in 1939; and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1950 with a Master's of Education in School Administration. He began teaching in 1935 in one- and two-teacher schools in Westbrook and Gibtown, Texas, and Bluitt, New Mexico, and then advanced to larger schools in Prairie View and Lingo, New Mexico, where he was either Head Teacher, Principal or Superintendent. John was eager to return to Jack County, however; and he served as High School Principal and Math Teacher at Jacksboro High School from 1945-'52, Grade School Principal at Bridgeport from '52-'53; Superintendent of Schools at Poolville from '53-'57, and Superintendent at Saint Jo from 1957-'75. He ended his career as Superintendent of the Peaster Schools from 1975-'78. A Peaster resident wrote that "When Mr. Henderson came to Peaster in 1975, the Peaster School was at an all time low. Under his leadership the school began to grow, and a new high school was built - and today the school continues to grow and is one of the best 2-A schools in Texas. It was under his leadership that the turnaround began." John was a vibrant, loving, selfless man. His crossing to the green pastures and still waters of his heavenly home leaves our family with a void that will remain unfilled. John was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Weatherford. He was converted and joined the Joplin Baptist Church when he was 19 years old. Upon his death, John's life has come full circle. John will be carried to his final resting place by his sons and grandsons. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruby Nell Ledbetter Henderson; son, James and wife, Rosalie of Dallas; daughter, Linda and husband, Bob Thompson of Austin; son, Lewis and wife, Christina of Jean; four grandchildren, John Henderson, Laura Saeva, Lindsay Winburn, and Clayton Henderson - are the treasures of a long life, which found fruition in the births of three great-grandchildren - Clara Winburn, Kathryn Saeva, and Michael Saeva. He is also survived by his younger brother