David Willard Henderson

David Willard Henderson, born December 4, 1933 in Trumansburg, New York, died on March 3, 2024 at the age of 90. David was the son of Louis Henderson and Katherine Berdanier Henderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Sears, brother, Louis Henderson, and sister Ruth O’Riley. He is survived by his wife Jeanette, one brother, Jerry and his wife Donna of Appalachian, NY and his four children: Ben Henderson and wife Amy of Charlotte, NC, Charlene Mitchell and husband Mike of Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Renee Brown of Brentwood, TN, and Paul Henderson of Berkeley Springs, WV. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. David graduated from Northside High School in Corning, NY with high credits. He attended Bob Jones University and completed military courses. In addition, he completed courses at Alfred University Extension in Olean, NY, Emmaus Bible School in Oak Park, Ill, and modular education from Bethany, OK. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1952-1957 in epidemiology and bacteriological research. After discharge from the Navy, he married Jeanette Landers on August 24, 1957. He spent the next 14 years as Assistant Chief Lab tech at Olean General Hospital, Olean NY. In 1969 he became a Physician’s Assistant and took the first licensing exam in 1975 and remained credentialed until his retirement in 1999. He worked from 1969-1983 in family practice at Wormer Medical Center in Portville, NY. In 1983, he moved to Martinsburg, WV and worked in the orthopedic offices of Drs. Schrantz, Draper, and Lemperg, retiring from there in 1999. After retiring from the medical profession, he taught 7th and 8th grade science and high school history for 3 years at Martinsburg Christian Academy. He then worked approximately 5 year at Chem-Pak chemical plant in Martinsburg, WV. He returned to education for one year, tutoring math at Broadfording Christian Academy. Dave was always active in civic and church affairs including the Boy Scout Council. He also served on the Campfire Girls board, was chairman of the Camp Committee and was instrumental in obtaining a grant to build a new multipurpose lodge. He served as a village councilman and Mayor of Portville, where he was able to obtain a Ceta grant to build a park along the creek and a federal grant to install a new water system for the village. For years he was an active member of the Gideon’s International, serving as president of the local chapter and member of the New York State cabinet. He was also active on church boards and as a lay minister, including serving as interim pastor for several churches. He was a volunteer for Good Samaritan Clinic in Martinsburg and Roxbury State Prison in Hagerstown, MD. Dave's life of service continues on even after his death as he chose to forego a funeral with a viewing by selflessly donating his body to science as his final act to help others. Instead, a Celebration of Life Service in Dave's honor will be held at 11:00 am on April 20, 2024, at Independent Bible Church, Martinsburg WV. Memorials may be made to the building fund at Independent Bible Church, 2306 Hedgesville Rd., Martinsburg, WV 25403, or to Good Samaritan Free Clinic, 601 S. Raleigh St., Martinsburg, WV 25401 or Samaritan's Purse.

David Willard Henderson

December 4, 1933 - March 3, 2024