Meet John Henderson

Many publications, including the Webster Dictionary, The Bible,

and endless religious sites, define Servant Heart as the following:

A servant’s heart means to have a mindset or a desire to selflessly and sacrificially serve others, regardless of your feelings towards them or what it may cost you. John Henderson, Superintendent, Public Works – Streets Division, is the perfect example of someone who gives of himself with a servant heart mentality.

John says that he was blessed to be raised by his mother. As a single and only parent, she filled the roles of Mother, Father, Teacher, Advisor, and even Coach. It was a different time when John grew up, times were hard, and money was short. Being the oldest child, John, beginning when he was about 11 years of age, took on many jobs after school to help make ends meet. When he speaks of his childhood, you can feel his love for his mother and his extended family. John never felt like working to help his mom pay the bills or watching his brother and sister while his mom was at work, helping with their homework, and the household chores were a burden. He is proud of his mother, and he was honored to help give back to her all that she gave to him and his siblings.

Henderson is the 5th generation of his family born and raised here in Sanger. His great, great, grandparents moved to Texas from Louisiana many years ago, seeking the opportunity for a better life and a safe, welcoming place to call home. They settled in Sanger, and generations later, the family is still here. John attended Sanger High School. While there, he played Football, Basketball, and ran track. He was able to qualify for the regionals each year in the 2 miles and 800 races. He graduated in 1994.

After graduation, Henderson attempted to go to college while also working. He was able to attend for one semester when his vehicle broke down. Not having reliable transportation, Henderson decided he would forego college and find work that he could be proud of that would allow him the opportunity to learn and grow. From a long line of City employees, Henderson had always wanted to serve the City. He decided to approach John Coker III, the mayor of Sanger at the time, and ask him for a job. Having known John’s family history working with the City, Coker told him to apply. Thus began Henderson’s career working for the City of Sanger.

Our longest-serving City employee, Henderson, has been with Sanger for 28 years. He has never regretted his decision, and he says the City has always been one of his biggest supporters. Over the last 28 years, he has worked hard, learned a lot, and has advanced to his current position as Superintendent of Public Works, Streets Department.

John was always seeking ways to give back to the City of Sanger, who he felt had given so much to him. So, when he turned 21 years old, finally old enough to volunteer with the Fire Department, he went in and signed up to offer his services. Today he still actively volunteers with the department. His giving heart doesn’t stop there. Henderson is passionate about helping children. He volunteers with the peewee football team, provides coaching for youth sports, and takes on private coaching for close friends and family kids.

John keeps himself very busy. In addition to working for the City and volunteering to help the youth, he serves as the Regional Director for the 455 Baggers (Cornhole), works at the North Texas Basketball Officials Association, and drives transport for Denton County, Howard Mortuary Services.

John Cooker III - Former Mayor of Sanger

With the active life this man lives, one has to wonder if he made time for his own family. That answer is a resounding YES! Henderson has been married to his wife, Vanessa, for nearly 28 years. Vanessa was born in Nebraska, and shortly after, her parents relocated to Denton. John smiled when he recalled how they met. He remembers seeing this cute girl at a store and later meeting her at the park. From the moment he first met her, he fell in love. They have raised three boys and one girl. John is proud to say that they are all very successful, and they all live in Sanger.

In closing our conversation, John again said that he owed all of his success to his mother for her unwavering support and guidance and to the City of Sanger, who took a chance on him all those years ago. Additionally, he is thankful for the residents of Sanger. Living here his entire life affords him to know many of our residents. He noted that this community has always been there in support of its own over the years. He considers the residents of Sanger, an extension of his family.

With having so many years with the City, I asked John if he had any thoughts on retirement. He told me that he still feels he has much to give back to the City. He joked that he was afraid to slow down; it might kill him. So, for the foreseeable future, John plans to remain a familiar face. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with our new employees, and he still loves the Fire Department.