John S. Henderson USN Commander Ret

Born on the family ranch near Sabinal on July 23, 1929, he was educated in the public schools there, graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1950 and from the Naval War College in 1965.

Notable duty during his Navy career included heavy cruiser USS TOLEDO; amphibious ship USS UNION; repair ship USS DELTA; Brooklyn, Long Beach and the historic Boston Naval Shipyards. He was Navy Contract Administrator at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Quincy, Mass. for construction of the first nuclear-powered surface ships USS LONG BEACH and USS BAINBRIDGE.

Retiring in 1972, he joined Church's Fried Chicken headquarters as Certified Internal Auditor, then became personal assistant to the Chairman of the Board of that company, as well as Executive Director of the Church family-sponsored Science Unlimited Research Foundation.

Upon second retirement he became active in the Fraternity of Freemasons serving as Master of Albert Pike Masonic Lodge No. 1169 and National President of National Sojourners Masonic. He served as presiding officer of a number of other Masonic-related organizations, being honored with the 33º of the Scottish Rite.

While in San Antonio, he served as Commander of the local chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars and was a long-time member of the San Antonio Retired Officers Association, serving for a time on its Board of Directors.

He was predeceased by wife Milly or Miki as she was known in the 45th year of a loving marriage.

Surviving are daughter Tracey Gutierrez and husband David, along with grandsons Christopher and Morgan of San Antonio; and daughter Dr. Veronica Henderson of Marysville, California. Also surviving are sister Janell Clary and husband Ott of Sabinal; numerous nieces and nephews here and in England; and special friends Terry, Cindy and Michael Whitson.

He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Learning Center Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 2239, San Antonio, TX 78298-2239.