Charles John Henderson Jr.

March 14, 1936 — June 15, 2026

Derby

Charles John Henderson Jr. passed away on June 15, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born on March 14, 1936, in Climax Springs to Charles Henderson Sr. and Myrtle Cline Henderson.

He was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and spent his life serving Him. He often said that he was not working for the companies that employed him, but for the Lord. His greatest gift was his salvation, and he wanted others to know Christ and experience that same gift. He was a mentor to many and always sought opportunities to encourage and guide others in their faith.

He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years aboard an aircraft carrier during the period between the Korean War and the beginning of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he worked for Boeing, then Case, and later returned to Boeing where he retired. He enjoyed learning new skills and took pride in being able to work on many types of machinery and equipment.

As a young man, he worked for a tree service in Missouri, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and God's creation. That experience sparked a lifelong love of nature. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time outdoors. He especially loved sharing those experiences with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was also very artistic and enjoyed working with wood, painting, and sculpting. He loved people and never met a stranger. His kindness, wisdom, and faith touched the lives of many.

Above all, he loved the Lord and dedicated his life to serving Him. His faith, love for others, and appreciation for God's creation will be remembered by all who knew him.

Survived by his wife, Nadene Henderson; children, Carlotta (Lucky) Myers, Vicki (Richard) Aimes; Steve (Gina) Henderson, David (Raychel) Henderson, Dale Andrew (Amy) Becker, Nicki (Scott) Stallard; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Donna Henderson; grandson, Brandon Henderson; and his sister, Ann.

A public visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, Kansas 67037.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 208 S. Derby Avenue, Derby, Kansas 67037. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W. 47th St. South, Wichita, Kansas 67215.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.




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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Public Viewing

Thursday, June 18, 2026

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Smith Family Mortuaries

1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037

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Funeral Service

Friday, June 19, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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Burial

Friday, June 19, 2026

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