Obituary for Jerry David Henderson
Jerry David Henderson, 79 of Springfield, Missouri passed away at 2:48 a.m. Monday morning, March 27, 2023 at Mercy Hospital with his daughter and wife by his side.
Jerry was born on September 19, 1943 in Champagne, Illinois to David and Mary Jane Henderson. He attended Marshfield Missouri High School (Class of 1961), Southwest Baptist University in 1962-1964, served in the United States Army in 1965 – 1967, and came back to Missouri to earn a Masters in Business Administration degree at Drury University.
Jerry often told the story that when he was stationed in the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia he was only there for 2 weeks when he asked for permission to go home and marry his sweetheart, Karen Lutgen. Permission was granted and they were married on December 23, 1965. Jerry and Karen were married for 33 years until Karen passed away in 1998. Their daughter, Nichole was born July 3, 1969.
Jerry started his own office supply and furniture business, The Office Place and operated it for almost 35 years. He was a people person and had many loyal customers that followed him. Jerry never retired and was working part-time for Moseley’s Office Products and loved his work family; they loved his fun-filled personality that included him often singing to them.
Jerry met his second love, Kris Evans, aka “Little Kris,” while attending a District meeting of Optimist International. They went on their first date, clicked, and were together every day after. They were married in 2003 and enjoyed friends, events, and travels with their Optimist family. Jerry loved being a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club and was very active in the West Missouri Optimist District, serving as Governor in 1989-1990.
Jerry dedicated many years to the Optimist organization, serving as Optimist International President-Elect in 2000-2001 and President in 2001-2002. As Vice-President, President-Elect, President and Board Member, he traveled many extended weekends visiting various Districts in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada, especially the year he was President. It was a true honor for Jerry as he was an inspirational leader in his quiet, exemplary, and supportive way, always having the individual members’ best interests in mind. When he spoke at many events, he always addressed himself as “just a country boy from the Ozarks.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen, his mother, Mary Jane Van Ness, and his grandson, Gunnar Morgan. He is survived by his wife, Kris, his daughter Nichole Morgan and his son-in-law, Steve Morgan along with many wonderful cousins.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Glenstone Baptist Church located at 413 South Glenstone with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Pastor Ron Robison will officiate the service. Lunch will be served by the Church from Noon to 1:30 p.m. and burial will be at Marshfield, Missouri City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Glenstone Baptist Church located at 413 South Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri 65802 or Optimist International Foundation located at 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
Jerry was born on September 19, 1943 in Champagne, Illinois to David and Mary Jane Henderson. He attended Marshfield Missouri High School (Class of 1961), Southwest Baptist University in 1962-1964, served in the United States Army in 1965 – 1967, and came back to Missouri to earn a Masters in Business Administration degree at Drury University.
Jerry often told the story that when he was stationed in the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia he was only there for 2 weeks when he asked for permission to go home and marry his sweetheart, Karen Lutgen. Permission was granted and they were married on December 23, 1965. Jerry and Karen were married for 33 years until Karen passed away in 1998. Their daughter, Nichole was born July 3, 1969.
Jerry started his own office supply and furniture business, The Office Place and operated it for almost 35 years. He was a people person and had many loyal customers that followed him. Jerry never retired and was working part-time for Moseley’s Office Products and loved his work family; they loved his fun-filled personality that included him often singing to them.
Jerry met his second love, Kris Evans, aka “Little Kris,” while attending a District meeting of Optimist International. They went on their first date, clicked, and were together every day after. They were married in 2003 and enjoyed friends, events, and travels with their Optimist family. Jerry loved being a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club and was very active in the West Missouri Optimist District, serving as Governor in 1989-1990.
Jerry dedicated many years to the Optimist organization, serving as Optimist International President-Elect in 2000-2001 and President in 2001-2002. As Vice-President, President-Elect, President and Board Member, he traveled many extended weekends visiting various Districts in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada, especially the year he was President. It was a true honor for Jerry as he was an inspirational leader in his quiet, exemplary, and supportive way, always having the individual members’ best interests in mind. When he spoke at many events, he always addressed himself as “just a country boy from the Ozarks.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen, his mother, Mary Jane Van Ness, and his grandson, Gunnar Morgan. He is survived by his wife, Kris, his daughter Nichole Morgan and his son-in-law, Steve Morgan along with many wonderful cousins.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Glenstone Baptist Church located at 413 South Glenstone with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Pastor Ron Robison will officiate the service. Lunch will be served by the Church from Noon to 1:30 p.m. and burial will be at Marshfield, Missouri City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Glenstone Baptist Church located at 413 South Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri 65802 or Optimist International Foundation located at 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.