John "Jack" Henderson M.D.

John “Jack” Perrin Henderson, M.D., age 86 of Peoria Heights, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2025. Born on July 1, 1938 in Chicago, IL to John Hancock and Mary Elizabeth (Crawford) Henderson. Jack led a life marked by dedication and service.

On February 20, 1965, he married Beverly J. Yordy at the First Methodist Church in Peoria, IL. They shared 60 wonderful years together. Jack is survived by his loving wife Beverly, and their children: John, Jr. (Jennifer) of Mapleton, IL; Brett of Las Cruces, NM; Jeff (Traci) of Surprise, AZ; and Jill (Ryan) of Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Kyle) Clingman and 12 grandchildren: Alex, Jack III (Brittany D.), Clayton, Brittany (Nick) Toel, Brooke, Maverick, Ryan, Payton, Ben, and Max Henderson, and Athen, and John Zachary Freemyer; four great grandchildren: Olivia, Tucker, Noah Henderson and Theodore Toel; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jack grew up in Chicago, and became an Eagle Scout in 1952. He graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL and then attended Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University from 1960 to 1964. During his time at Stritch, a classmate persuaded him and five others to complete their internship at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. Jack’s internship was briefly interrupted when he joined the Army Reserves, where he completed jump school at Ft. Benning, GA and special forces training at Ft. Bragg, NC eventually earning the rank of Lt. Colonel. He returned to St. Francis in Peoria to complete his internship and was accepted for a Neurological Surgery residency from 1967-1970 at University of Illinois Hospital and Presbyterian-St. Luke’s in Chicago under the guidance of Dr. Eric Oldberg and Dr. Oscar Sugar. His primary focus included peripheral nerve and spinal surgery. After a distinguished 35 year career, Jack retired in 2006. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and served on the CDGA “Rules of Golf” committee. His other passions included woodworking, stained glass, and traveling, with his favorite trip being “Around the World in 21 Days” in 2008. Jack also cherished spending winters in Panama City Beach, FL (BJOREIH).

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Jack’s life will be Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club, Edelstein, IL. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the “Henderson Neuroscience Research” at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP), One Illini Dr., Peoria, IL 61605 or a charity of your choice.