John Michael Henderson

John Michael Henderson, 52 of Rushville, IL passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, IL. He was born April 19, 1973, in Winfield, IL, the son of John William Henderson and Louise Eva Weiland Henderson. He married Willow Jordan Hendricks on October 10, 2008 in Virginia, IL John is survived by his wife, Willow; his parents, John and Louise Henderson; (2) sons, John Walker Henderson and Granger Melvin Henderson of Rushville; (2) daughters, Heyvynn Mariah Henderson of Atterberry, IL and Makenzi Henderson (Andi Castillo) of Stickney, IL; (3) grandchildren, Magnolia Ivy-Lyn Roberts, Sophia Henderson, and Aliyah Henderson and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Henderson and his sister, Anna Henderson.

John worked various jobs throughout his life, before eventually becoming a stay-at-home dad. His favorite jobs were those involving cooking and food. He had jobs as a cook and worked as the manager of a deli. He became a self-taught chef and cooked incredible mouth-watering meals for his family countless times over the years. He also became proficient in fermentation, creating homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, hot sauce and other ferments. He loved sharing his culinary expertise with his friends and followers on Facebook and Discord. John graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies.

John spent most of the past 15 years as a stay-at-home dad. In addition to overseeing his children's academic education, he also taught them many valuable life skills. He shared with them his love for and knowledge of cooking and fermentation and taught them to care for their home and pets. He passed on his love for animals to his children. He always owned cats and birds, and they brought him a lot of happiness.

John never considered himself "religious," but he talked to God often and had a growing desire to learn more about God. In the last year of his life, he spent time participating in Bible studies with his family and reading the Bible on his own. John was a wonderful husband and father who will be missed more than words can express. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Worthington Funeral Home with Mr. Matt Thiner officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family.