Earl W. "Wally" Henderson, Jr.

Earl W. "Wally" Henderson, Jr., 85, of Springfield, died at 4:20 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016 at Villa East in Sherman. Wally was born April 5, 1931 in Mishawaka, IN, the son of Earl W. and Lida Mae Gibson Henderson, Sr. He married Brynn Bender on November 25, 2000 in Springfield, IL. Wally graduated from Springfield High School in 1949 and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Wally was the co-founder/co-principal of Ferry & Henderson Architects for 25 years. His professional and architectural fingerprint is embodied in many buildings around the Springfield community. His crowning achievement is the reconstruction of the Illinois Old State Capitol and the design and construction of the Illinois State Historical Library beneath the OSC. Wally's many accomplishments included serving as the past Director of the Abraham Lincoln Association and current Director Emeritus. His numerous awards included the 2013 SJR First Citizen Award, Paul Harris Fellow for Local Rotary International Club, and 2002 Mayors' Preservation Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2011, he was named to the American Institute of Architectures College of Fellows. He was also a member of the Springfield High School Hall of Fame. Wally was a recognized role model and inspiration to "up and coming architects in his day." Wally's awesome smile and genuine love for his community were contagious and he was loved and admired by many. Wally was a loving spouse, loving dad and granddad, and a great human being. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kirstin Henderson; and his first wife, Sally Henderson. He is survived by his wife, Brynn Henderson of Springfield; sons, Earl W. Henderson III and Timothy (Jennifer) Henderson, both of Springfield; daughters, Rebecca LaForce of Concord, NH and Katherine Henderson (Rusty) of Austin, TX; step-son, Christopher (Jill) Bender of CA; step-daughter, J. Brynn (Kate) Bender of CT; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Jen) LaForce, Breanna (Nery) Martinez, Gabrielle LaForce, Lauren Henderson, Nicholas E. Henderson, Brandon Fletcher (Jen), Connor Henderson, and Xander Henderson; three step-grandchildren, Natasha, Theresa, and Abigail Bender; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Private family burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery prior to Friday's ceremony. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., Springfield with Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704 or APL, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, in memory of his best canine friend, Monroe.