John Richard Henderson

John Richard Henderson, 72, of Leavenworth, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 30, 2022. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Chapel Hill Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St. Kansas City, KS 66112 on Friday, May 6th from 5-7pm to be immediately followed by a remembrance beginning at 7pm.

John was born on March 5, 1950 in Kansas City, Kansas, to Lloyd and Helen (Sheehan) Henderson. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school and Bishop Ward High School, before the family moved to Overland Park, KS prior to his senior year. He graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1968. John began his lifelong career in the car business at Feld Chevrolet in Kansas City, KS just out of high school working alongside his brothers. From there he worked for multiple GM dealerships as Parts Manager before retiring from Van Chevrolet in Kansas City, MO on April 30, 2016.

In his late 20s he reconnected with former classmate Gloria (Kraft) who became his wife and the mother of his children. Upon his death the two had enjoyed over 43 happy years of marriage. John was a proud father and dedicated his life to the care and fulfillment of his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, amazing dad, loving pa, caring brother, fantastic uncle, and cherished friend.

John had many interests and was an avid sports fan. He loved all things Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and K-State Wildcats. Over the years John loved going on sports trips to see his teams in different stadiums and attend races at the Kansas Speedway. In retirement, John loved playing golf with his dear friends, taking care of his yard, going to his grandkids’ events, completing woodworking and craft projects, and spending time with his family. Also dear to him was the time he spent mentoring children to improve their reading skills at the Learning Club at Blessed Sacrament in KCK.

John is survived by his wife Gloria (Kraft); his 4 children, daughter Jennifer (Pat) O’Dell of Kansas City, KS; son Jay (Andrea Tanis) of Kansas City, MO; son Joey (Jena) of Lake Waukomis, MO; daughter Julie (Bryan Brick) of Oakland, CA; his 3 grandchildren Ryan O’Dell, Kelsey O’Dell, and Ozzie Brick; his siblings Anna Marie, Lloyd (Cathy), James (Candy), and Patricia (Larry) Hoffman; his mother-in-law Marge Kraft; and other extended family including brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Helen (Sheehan) Henderson, his father-in-law Vince Kraft, and his dear aunts and uncles.

John left his family feeling they were the luckiest people on earth having had him as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, son-in-law and uncle. He will be missed each and every day, and his family will never be the same. He was a blessing to all who knew him and leaves behind countless memories of joy and a true feeling of loss.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to The Learning Club of KCK, 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 66104 https://www.learningclubkck.org/donate.html