Pat Henderson

Patrick Lawrence “Pat” Henderson, 73, entered the presence of his Savior on July 25, 2026—his 73rd birthday. Born on July 25, 1953, on an army base in Bremerhaven, Germany, to Robert and Ruth Henderson, Pat’s life came full circle as he entered eternity on the very day he was born. While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

As one of four children in an Army family, Pat spent his childhood traveling the world. His family lived in places including Germany, New York, Taiwan, and Tucson before eventually settling in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from El Paso Eastwood High School in 1971.

Following high school, Pat briefly attended Texas Tech University, where he walked on as the placement kicker for the freshman football team. Pat then proudly served his country in the Navy for almost 4 years, with an 18 month stint aboard the USS Whipple, guarding the coast of Vietnam, while stationed out of Hawaii. He later returned to Texas Tech University where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s degree in Education, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to serving students and educators.

Pat began his career in education as a teacher and coach and eventually the head baseball coach in Levelland, Texas. His passion for education and leadership led him to serve as assistant principal at Lamesa High School, high school principal and head basketball coach in Meadow, and high school principal at Lubbock-Cooper. He ultimately became Superintendent of Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District, where he faithfully served for 19 years, making him the longest-serving superintendent in the district to date.

During his tenure at LCISD, Pat was known for his deep value of the district’s family culture. Many community members will long remember his efforts to bring city water to the once rural Lubbock-Cooper campuses, his campaign for traffic safety improvements within the school district, and, most notably, the incredible and unprecedented growth experienced by LCISD under his leadership. He led the district through four successful bond elections, was named the Region XVII Superintendent of the Year in 1999 and 2002, and was a Texas Superintendent of the Year finalist in 2002. One of his most well-known contributions to Lubbock-Cooper is his development of the district’s vision statement, “building the future, one student at a time,” still in use today.

Pat was a passionate advocate for school safety and played a pivotal role in establishing the school’s own police department, helping create a secure environment where students and staff could thrive. He also believed that a well-rounded education extended beyond the classroom, placing equal importance on academic achievement and athletic excellence, and encouraging students to grow in both mind and character. He genuinely loved the students, teachers, coaches, and families he served. He invested in people, encouraged excellence, and left a lasting impact on countless lives through his leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to doing what was best for children.

Outside of his career, Pat found joy on the tennis court, in the pages of a good book, and in the pursuit of lifelong learning. He loved coaching, valued education deeply, and never stopped seeking opportunities to grow. Above all, he treasured his family. After retiring to Horseshoe Bay, he enjoyed spending time watching golfers from his back porch, driving his kids and grandkids around the lake on his boat, becoming an avid target shooter, and enjoying dinner club with his wife and friends.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ellen who never left his side and took the most amazing care of him.

He’s also survived by his daughters

Kori Jennings (Wade) and Shannon Leisinger (Chris) and his son Patrick Lawrence Henderson II,

his step-sons Robbie (Renee) and Richie (Kelly) Stansifer.

His wonderful grandchildren include Tate and Cash Truby, Bliss, Ryson and Paisley Jennings, Troy, Jordan, Emery, Brock and Avery Leisinger, Ty and Luke Stansifer, Aidan Chillcott and Ian (Melina) Chillcott and great-granddaughter, Zara Chillcott.

He is also survived by a brother, Terry Henderson (Karen) and a sister, Donna Shasteen, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth Henderson, a brother, Mitch Henderson, and his loyal furry companion, Rudy.

Pat’s legacy will live on through the thousands of students he inspired, the educators he mentored, the communities he strengthened, and the family he loved so deeply.

A memorial service honoring Pat Henderson will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at the Lubbock-Cooper ISD Performing Arts Center.

In lieu of flowers, the Henderson family suggests memorial donations to the Lubbock-Cooper Education Foundation (https://www.lubbockcooperfoundation.org).