John Garland Henson

He was a professor of mathematics at Colorado Mesa University.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia L.; a son, John T. of Centennial; two daughters, Becky Johnson of Whitewater and Lindy Matson of Centennial; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand Junction 81506; or the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 3940 27½ Road, Grand Junction 81506.

John Garland Henson passed from this earth on November 8, 2016 after a short battle with cancer. He was 85. He was born to Marvin A. and Leola Bell Weems Henson on March 22, 1931 near Eldorado, Oklahoma. His parents and siblings, Winfred Henson, Maleta Pallmeyer, and infant brother are deceased.

John received his early schooling in Quanah, Texas, but moved to Chillicothe, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1949. He and Keith Lockard, a special high school friend in Lincoln, Nebraska, have kept their friendship current through correspondence, class reunions and occasional visits. John is a graduate of Texas Tech and Colorado State University.

The U.S. Navy seaplane tender, USS Onslow, was home to John from 1951-1954. During this time, he and Patricia Hill, a home-town girl, were married on a 30-day leave at the Methodist Church in Chillicothe. The family moved from Texas to Colorado in 1957 where John taught in Limon and Kremmling high schools. In 1963, he accepted a position teaching mathematics at Mesa College (now CMU) in Grand Junction. He retired in 1987 but continued teaching for another 9 years as needed.

In the mid-seventies, John created a small business, Landmarks, in which he designed and marketed beautiful collectible medals commemorating Colorado attractions. He has had an avid interest in science, photography, the arts and classical music.

Church has been a big part of John’s life ever since he joined the Methodist church as a youngster. For many years, he and the family were active at both Crossroads and Redlands United Methodist churches, but recently the First Presbyterian Church has become his church home.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years; daughters Rebecca Lynn (David) Johnson of Whitewater, CO and Belinda Kaye (Paul) Matson of Centennial, CO; son John Travis (Kerri) Henson of Centennial, CO. Grandsons: David Benjamin (Holly) of Castle Rock, CO; Travis Steven (Sheena) Johnson of Grand Junction; Thomas Richard (Lara) Bright of Parker, CO; Michael Robert (Amanda) Bright of Pleasant Grove, UT; Maxwell William, Miles Edward, & Oliver John Henson of Centennial, CO. Great-grand children include: Adam & Carter Johnson; Hunter Johnson; Lily, Callen & Annaliese Bright; Jocelyn, Paul & Gwendolyn Bright.

John’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Saturday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction with Pastor Tom Hansen officiating. Burial will be on November 21, 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction under direction of Retired U.S. Navy Captain, Robert Skinner, a long-time friend.

Donations may be given to HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506 or the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 3940 27-1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506.