Dr. John Abe Henderson III
Dr. John Abe Henderson III, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2020. He was 94 years old. Abe was born on June 16, 1926, in Jasper, Texas to Vivian McMahon and John Abe Henderson, Jr.
After growing up in the small community of Jasper, Abe attended and graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and continued his education at Baylor Medical School in Houston. Dr. Henderson went on to practice Obstetrics & Gynecology for over 35 years in Beaumont. He served as Chief of Staff at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Although he grew up in a small town, Abe traveled the world. While vacationing in Toronto, he met the love of his life, Barbara Dunford, on a blind date. Abe and Barbara continued their romance as pen pals until they married in June of 1953. They then moved to Montreal for a medical internship, but eventually made their way back to Texas.
In Beaumont, Abe was a member of an investment group, Profits Unlimited, where he was known as the “Oracle of Beaumont” among his peers. During his retirement, he enjoyed his membership in Done Working, a retired businessmen’s group, and RODEO, Retired Old Doctors Eating Out, involving local retired physicians.
His wife and family were the love of his life along with his springer spaniel, Charlie. As well, he loved spending time at his farm in the piney woods of East Texas. Traveling with family and friends brought him great joy.
Dr. Henderson is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Barbara Dunford Henderson of Beaumont; three sons: John A. Henderson IV, MD and his wife, Jean of Beaumont; Paul Dunford Henderson and his wife, Tanya of Beaumont; David Wilton Henderson of Call, and three daughters: Katie Henderson Collins and her husband, Bill of Dallas; Molly Henderson Vandermeer and her husband, Dave of Dallas; Lucy Henderson Halsell and her husband, Trent of Houston. Papa is also survived by a number of grandchildren: Emily Henderson Shatzer and her husband, Kyle of Fort Worth; Katie Henderson Plachy and her husband, Denver of Houston; Sarah Henderson Kuhlman and her husband, Zach of Aledo; Megan Henderson Meyer and her husband, Frank of Houston; Kristen Henderson Weekley and her husband, Michael of Houston; Kelley Henderson and her fiancé, John Deibel of Fort Worth; and Will Henderson and his wife, Weslee of Fort Worth; Camp and Claire Collins of Dallas, Matthew, Jack, and Will Vandermeer of Dallas, and Lily and Garrett Halsell of Houston as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Berton Brown and Dr. Randy Lombardo for their kind and thoughtful care as well as the staff in the ICU and ER, 2 East and Dubuis at Christus St. Elizabeth for their attentive care. We would also like to thank his caretaker, Rowena Cleofe, for her devoted attention.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont at a later date under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Dr. Henderson may be made to either Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726; The Dear John Michael Foundation, care of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, P.O. Box 81062, Midland, Texas 79708; or to an organization of one’s choice.
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Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
Comments
Diane Cannon
Dr. Henderson delivered my first baby on December 23, 1969, and what a fine doctor he was. He raised an exceptional son, John, also a great doctor! He took excellent care of my husband, Jack. RIP Dr. Henderson
Candy Mathis Hollis
Thank you, Dr. Henderson for such great care over the years. Deepest sympathy for your family.
Randy Trahan
Dear Barbara and the Henderson family, My deepest condolences to all of you during this most difficult time. Abe was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed being in his company.
Patty Buxton Burmeister
Jon and I are terribly sorry for your loss. Praying God will give you strength to get through the next few days. Dr. Henderson was such a sweet man. He delivered my daughter and i was always thankful to him for the way he treated me.
Benita McClurkin Louvier
We lived next door to Abe & Barbara on 23rd street in Beaumont in the 1950's and became friends with the family. Abe delivered all three of our children. He was a very caring man. RIP Abe.
Eddie Collins
Dr. Henderson was one of my favorite people. He will be missed. To all the Henderson family my sincere condolences. Rest assured that “Doc†is with the Lord. God’s love and peace.
Deborah L Walker
Dr. Henderson , So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. I had the opportunity to be his patient when I was younger. He was always such a sweet man that made you feel comfortable as a patient , just as you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know that you will miss him greatly. May your memories give you peace and comfort .
Elaine Henderson
Dr. Henderson was always one of my favorites to work with in my days in the OR. Just a big Teddy Bear. I have been fortunate to keep up with him through his son John and his family. Heaven gained a great man. Know I love each and everyone of you.
Dana Lutz
May God bless you Dr. Henderson, and your family, your pride and joy, What a beautiful legacy you have shared with all of us that know them. Wishing you peace and sending lots of love to your family.â¤ï¸ The Lutz Family.
brenda petkovsek-bean
John and Paul , I'm so sorry to her of your dad's passing my prayers are with you and your family. GOD BLESS
Mike and Elaine Smith
Dear Barbara and family, Abe was one of the finest men we were blessed to call a friend. We will miss his warm smile and wit. Know that we have you and your family in our prayers. Love to you and your sweet family. Mike and Elaine Smith
Daryl Bruton
John and Paul, so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Prayers and condolences to the entire family.. May he Rest In Peace
Bill Clark
One of the finest men I've ever had the honor to know. Mrs. Henderson, John, Paul, David, Katie, Molly, Lucy -- my love to all of you.
Jim Brocato
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Henderson’s passing. He was such a kind person. Although I would only see him occasionally through the years, he remained a special person to me and my family. He was my mother’s doctor. Before her time to deliver triplets, Dr. Henderson had to go to a medical conference giving her his emergency phone number he assured her he would always be available until the babies were born. Fortunately she didn’t need to use the emergency number and Dr. Henderson delivered three healthy babies. I am forever grateful for the care he gave me, my triplet brothers Tony, Walter and my mother Myrna. God bless him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Brocato
Bo Weinbaum
My condolences to the Henderson family. I have very fond memories of Dr Henderson. He always had a pleasant & friendly way about him.. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Douglass and Linda Christopher
So sorry to hear of your loss, May God being peace to loved ones and friends .