Charles "Gene" Henderson

Charles Eugene “Gene” Henderson passed away to his eternal rest on Saturday, September 28th with his wife of 51 years by his side. Originally from Westville, IL, he was the dutiful son of Hugh and Betty (Cook) Henderson, and brother to Dennis (Marie) Henderson, Kim (Donna) Henderson, and Virginia “Peach” (Rick) Wilson.

Gene was a quiet, studious, musician who was the valedictorian of Westville High School class of 1970. He was the complementary partner to his much more social wedding singer partner, Kathy Miskus. While attending the University of Illinois, Gene married Kathleen in 1972. They raised three perfect children, Erin (Carl) Hartke of Effingham, Shannon Henderson of Mattoon, and Devin Henderson of Savage, Minnesota. Even in his last days, the joy in Gene’s eyes shined brightest for his three grandchildren, Julian (13), Amelia (11), and Andrew (9). Although Gene had very little interest in any sports, watching his grandchildren play sports was his favorite pastime.

While at the U of I, he worked at Samuel Music store in Champaign, which led to his long career at MidCo International in Effingham. He traveled the world from Germany to Taiwan in the musical instrument business under the mentorship of Lowell Samuel, whom he greatly respected. He also spent many years at Mid America Motorworks and B&B Homes where he retired in 2022.

Gene was a member of the Effingham Jaycees and a past president of the Unit 40 Education Foundation. He was an all-day coffee drinker and an avid fan of The Beatles. He was a self-taught CAD designer and had a necessity in life for synchronization, symmetry and efficiency.

The whole family will miss his presence in the lawn chairs of baseball and softball games, at the dinner table at Christmas time, and in our hearts every single day. He will be remembered enjoying a cup of black coffee on his wraparound porch in Neoga as a storm rolls in.

A brief Celebration of Life is planned on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home’s Urbas Chapel, located at 414 S. State Street, in Westville prior to burial at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Westville, IL. Please join the family for a celebration of life on Sunday, October 27th between 2-4pm in the Stellar Cellar of Tuscan Hills Winery. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to Kathleen Henderson for the purpose of college funds for the three grandchildren. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.