Jon Timothy "Tim" Henderson's Obituary
HENDERSON, Jon Timothy (pronounced “Yon”), known to most simply as “Tim,” closed his final chapter on June 16, 2026, at the age of 71.
He was born on May 25, 1955, to Everett “Andy” Henderson and Bessie (Maxwell) Henderson. He married Yvonne Yancey (McKee) in 1974, and together they had one son, Jason.
Tim was industrious and embraced demanding roles, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and serving for four years. During this time, he welcomed a range of challenging and memorable experiences, including riding nighttime touch-and-go flights on aircraft carriers. He was recognized by his instructors for his marksmanship and exceptional abilities in the water, owing to considerable time spent in the Waynesville pool during his childhood.
Tim’s career in public service was long and varied within Warren County. He began in 1983 at the Warren County Probate-Juvenile Court, where he served as a bailiff until 2002. He then returned to the Warren County Court as a bailiff from 2005 to 2010. In his later tenure, from 2015 through 2024, he served as Court Liaison and Mentor Coordinator for Warren County Veterans Services. Across these roles, he was recognized for his steady presence, knowledge of the court system, and ability to work effectively with both colleagues and the public.
During these years, he also worked as a limousine and school bus driver, helped troubled children through Hamilton County, took pilot training courses at Red Stewart Airfield, and became one of the most notable motorcycle riders and enthusiasts in Warren County. He specialized in British motorcycles, which he meticulously restored.
He joined the Ohio National Guard in 1987 and served in a reservist capacity until 2002. Following an injury sustained in a nighttime skydive, he stuck to more grounded work through the rest of his military service.
Tim avidly read history, biographies, and magazines. He enjoyed football, boating (he taught many to water ski), automobiles, racing, joining his friends and family for meals, and all aspects of vintage motorcycling and rallies.
He valued the companionship of people and built an extensive network of coworkers, friends, associates, and buddies. As the youngest of three children, he looked up to his siblings, Charles Henderson and Ellen (Tom) Cato, by whom he is survived. He was deeply fond of his nieces and their families, Katelyn (Bryan) Booher (and her daughters Brooke, Anna, and Kendall); Brittany (Matthew) Cato; Emily (Tamer) Fakhry; and Andrea (Jeff) Litchfield (and her sons Hunter and Hayden). He dearly loved his friend, companion, and confidant, Nancy Walther (and her son, Josh); and beamed with pride whenever speaking of his son, Jason; Jason's wife, Holly; and their sons, Cole and Warren. He became a grandfather in 1999 and loved both the title and role, as well as the men his grandsons have become.
Throughout his life, Tim formed close bonds with several special four-legged friends, beginning with a beautiful Collie in childhood. Over the years, he shared his life and love with several Dobermans, the most recent of whom was the last friend he’d see in this world. For Tim, the depth of the relationship was not limited to humans.
Tim had an ever-evolving spiritual life. His family attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where he served as an altar boy. As an adult, he valued practical religious guidance, which he gleaned from various traditions, though his most recent congregational fellowship was with the Quakers in Waynesville, where he found the opportunity to reflect, meditate, identify his shortcomings, and strive to improve upon them. Jason heard him say more than once, “Don’t tell me you’re a Christian. Show me!” He preferred to express his beliefs through action. He viewed conduct as the truest gauge of a person’s character and values.
Tim left a large and lasting footprint in Warren County and beyond. He was known even across the seas among antique motorcycle enthusiasts, but beyond his knowledge and abilities with motorcycles, he was frequently found listening to people, caring for them, and valuing them.
Tim will be remembered as a man who treated others with attention, respect, and genuine care, even while he encouraged others not to forget to “Take care of yourself.”
A celebration of life service will be announced shortly. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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