Cover for John Charles "Johnny" Henderson's Obituary

John Charles "Johnny" Henderson

Jul 25, 1958 — Jun 12, 2026

Upper Fruitland, New Mexico

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John Charles "Johnny" Henderson, 67, of Fruitland, New Mexico, passed away on June 12, 2026.

John was born on July 25, 1958, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Sam and Anita Henderson. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, artist and friend whose caring heart, humor, and many talents left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

John served in the United States Navy. Throughout his life, he was known as a hardworking handyman with many talents in construction, automotive repair, and mechanics. He had a gift for building and fixing things, and he especially enjoyed old sports cars. One of Johnny's greatest passions, however, was art. He was a gifted artist who worked in acrylics, oils, watercolor, pencil, colored pencil, and pastels. He especially loved creating landscapes and portraits. Johnny dreamed of one day having the opportunity to showcase his work on a larger stage and hoped to have an art gallery of his own. 

Outside of his work and art, Johnny loved farming, building things, and staying active. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and was someone who could survive anywhere in the wilderness. One of the memories that best captures who he was is taking his children fishing, cooking, the fish over a fire, and making tortillas by the river- creating simple but unforgettable moments filled with love, adventure, and care. 

Johnny was known for being caring, generous, and the kind of person who would help others before helping himself. His children and grandchildren loved his silliness and his dad jokes. As a father, he was deeply loving and proud of his children. He wanted to be his son's hero and his daughter's first love. He was especially proud of his children and all they accomplished, and he carried that pride with him always.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Anita Henderson. 

He is survived by his father, Sam Henderson; his children, Nathaniel C. Henderson (Petula) and April R. Alcorn (Tyrone); his beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Henderson, Desmond Alcorn, and Tatyana Alcorn; his siblings, Raymond Tso, Paul Henderson, and Pauline Tso, Sammy Henderson, Denise Henderson; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Kirtland/Fruitland Cemetery. Celebration of Life Reception from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Upper Fruitland Chapter House. Flowers and donations may be delivered to Desert View Funeral Home during normal hours of operation, referencing John Henderson.

Johnny will be remembered for his big heart, artistic spirit, playful humor, and the love he gave so freely to his family. Though his hands are at rest, the beauty he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he poured into his family will live on forever.


To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Memorial Service

Friday, July 3, 2026

Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain time)

Desert View Funeral Home

N. US Hwy 491, Shiprock, NM 87420

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Reception

Friday, July 3, 2026

1:00 - 4:00 pm (Mountain time)

Upper Fruitland Chapter House

N36, Fruitland, NM 87416

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