1948
2019
John Bryan Henderson passed away in Baton Rouge, LA on April 25, 2019 on his 71st birthday. He was born in Knoxville, TN in 1948 to John L and Ruby Bryan Henderson. He grew up in Virginia and Lexington, KY, and graduated with honors from Lafayette High School in Lexington where he played in the marching band and was an Eagle Scout. He received his BA from Duke University in 1970 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his PhD in History and Asian Studies from the University of California/Berkeley in 1977. He taught at the University of Akron before coming to LSU in 1978 where he was a William R. and Letitia Bell Endowed Professor in the Department of History until his retirement in May 2017. He taught courses on Chinese and Japanese history, East Asian religions, and special topics courses in the Honors College. Not only could he speak Chinese and Japanese but could write in Chinese. He won a number of teaching honors and for a long time was coordinator of LSU's program in East Asian Studies. He is survived by his wife Nathalie and his daughter Ruby of Baton Rouge; brother Joe (James), niece Sarah, and nephew Nick of Manhattan Beach, CA; and stepsister Sharon Smith (Ron), nephew Damon, and niece Kim of Fairfax, VA. A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held in Baton Rouge at 11:30 Tuesday, May 14, at University Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive. For donations, please give to the LSU Foundation in memory of John Henderson, 3796 Nicholson Dr. BR 70802 or on line at www.lsufoundation.org/JohnHenderson, or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
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3 Entries
It's been many years since I've lived in Louisiana, and I only recently learned of Professor Henderson's passing. My condolences to the family. I am so sorry. Professor Henderson taught me two classes at LSU and he one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever met. When I was applying to law school I asked him to write a letter of recommendation, which he of course did gladly, and it was probably the best letter anyone has ever written for or about me in my life. He was in his own world of Chinese and Japanese history and culture and clearly loved his work. He is greatly missed. Thank you Professor Henderson for everything and God bless you and your family.
Marcel Debruge
School
February 7, 2022
To Natalie and Ruby: Our heartfelt condolences on John's passing, who will be much missed by his family and all who knew him. We will definitely miss his intellect, humor and compassion for others. Our best to you in this time of need. June and John Lowe, Athens, GA
JUNE AND JOHN LOWE
May 13, 2019
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family for your great loss. May beautiful memories of happy times shared bring you a measure of peace during the days ahead. May God provide the needed comfort and support from relatives and fiends during your time of mourning and beyond.
May 11, 2019
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