John David Henderson, Jr.

John David Henderson, Jr., 79, of Sulphur, LA passed away Friday, September 26, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

Mr. Henderson was born January 29, 1946, in Monroe, LA to John David Henderson, Sr. and Glenndelene Coates Henderson. He was a1963 graduate of St. Frederick High School and began collegiate studies at Louisiana State University. He later enlisted and served the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his service, Mr. Henderson continued studies in 1970 at Louisiana Tech University where he attained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer for over forty years for PPG Industries. During his younger years he enjoyed coaching his daughters’ softball teams and his later years, following his granddaughter’s dance competitions. He also enjoyed many trips of traveling with his wife and daughters’ families. The annual trip to his in-laws in Colorado was a family favorite. Mr. Henderson was an avid outdoorsman. His outdoor entertainment was fishing with his friend Jim and spending time at his camp in Toledo Bend. His down time was often spent with hobbies of woodworking, furniture repair or watching NCIS and countless MASH reruns. Mr. Henderson was a man of faith, a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, LA and Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus. He will be most remembered for his love of his family, as a good provider, good man, husband, father and grandfather.

He leaves to honor his memory, his wife of fifty-one years, Karen Marie Fortenberry Henderson of Sulphur; two daughters, Kristi Folse and husband Chad of Sulphur and Katy Wescott and husband Bobby of Sulphur; six grandchildren, Taylor Dunn and husband Colin, Tiffanie Savage, Tayor Folse, Ryan Wescott, Logan Wescott and Hunter Folse; fur baby, Champ; brother-in-law, Robin Fortenberry of Ruston, sister-in-law, Wyolene Davis of Sulphur; nephews, Scott Downs, Bill Downs and Rusty Downs and his wife Amy, Beau Downs, and Jeremy Gibbons and wife Rachel; nieces, Ashley Dufrense and husband Matt and Kelli Meyer and husband Chris and great nieces and nephew, Reese and Lilian Dufrense and Wesley and Claira Meyer.

The family of Mr. Henderson extends heartfelt appreciation to his caregivers, Marie-Mai LeBlanc and Ms. Judy, for their excellence and care and compassion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Sharon Ann Downs; father-in-law, Bobby Fortenberry; mother-in-law, Jean Bourgeois Fortenberry and sister-in-law, Barbara Mason.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur. Visitation Monday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary service beginning at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Sulphur. Visitation Tuesday will be from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Interment services will be a private family gathering at Mimosa Pines Cemetery.

Pallbearers for his services will be Chad Folse, Bobby Wescott, Ryan Wescott, Logan Wescott, Jeremy Gibbons and Colin Dunn.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.