John L. Henson

John Lawrence Henson

John Lawrence Henson, age 86, of Lewisberry, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 8, 2023.  John was born on Monday, November 30, 1936, in Columbus, OH to the late George Henson and Ruth Tazwell (Thompson) Henson.  John was the widower of Yoko (Oide) Henson, whom he married on October 24, 1955, and who died on February 3, 2023.  In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in death by his two brothers, Thomas L. Henson and David G. Henson.

John’s survivors include his daughter, Anita “Sue” S. Giering and her husband, Lynn, of Long Beach, CA; his two sons: John L. Henson, Jr. and his fiancee, Arlene Harry, of Lewisberry; Thomas “Tom” D. Henson and his wife, Grace, of Lewisberry; his four grandchildren: Benjamin T. Henson and his wife, Martha, of Willoughby, OH; John L. Henson, III and his wife, Alyssa, of Carlisle; Michael A. Henson and his wife, Katie, of Mechanicsburg; Kyle R. Henson and his wife, Christina, of New York, NY; his six great-grandchildren: Benny, Ellie, Isabelle, Everly, John IV and Sawyer; and several nieces and nephews.

John was a character!  He was gregarious and fun and enjoyed telling stories from his amazing memory.  His fifth-grade teacher wished him, “May you ever remain a blithe spirit!” and that he did.

When John was 11, his dad died, and life became difficult.  He quit school at 16 and joined the Air Force which provided a new life.  John was stationed in Japan where he met the love of his life, Yoko, his sweetheart for 68 years.  It was in Pennsylvania where they eventually raised their family.  After the military, his career was in sales for which a people-lover was well-suited.

John was a dreamer, always thinking of new adventures and striving for more accomplishments.  He and Yoko traveled all over the USA in their RV and went to Japan.  John always kept busy. He was a private pilot, a Cub Scout pack leader, president of a township civic association, National Commander of the Veterans of Underage Military Service and participated in a ukulele club. He enjoyed all music.  John was extremely proud of the college degree he earned when he was 58 years old. He was always fascinated by technology and computer-related gadgets and kept up with the latest advancements.

For 62 years, John deeply loved Freemasonry and lived by its principles.  He believed it enriched his life and taught him to live with honor.  He was also active in the Scottish Rite and Shrine.

His family was what truly mattered to John, and he loved them dearly.  He was a great husband, dad and grandpa.

All are welcome to join John and Yoko’s family at their reunion celebration on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of remembrance at 10:00 a.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421. The virtual gathering via video chat or telephone will begin at 9:45 a.m.  Pastor Kenneth Meyer will officiate. A Masonic ceremony by the Eureka - West Shore Lodge No. 302 will immediately follow the time of remembrance. The family invites everyone to the celebration to enjoy food and fellowship from 10:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.  Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where military honors will be presented.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Residential Home Health Care and Hospice who so lovingly cared for John.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests those wishing to celebrate his life make a memorial contribution to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, www.ShrinersHospitalsForChildren.org/Philadelphia/Ways-To-Give.

John’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read John’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.
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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join John and Yoko's family via video chat or telephone on Friday, June 2, 2023, beginning at approximately 9:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84223609658 with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 842 2360 9658 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.
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