John Henton, Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home for John (Jack)  M. Henton, Jr., 88, of Carencro who  died  Monday,  September 16, 2013 at home after a long illness.  He was surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.

Jack was born December  14, 1924 in Mattoon, IL, son of John M. Henton and Martha (Businger) Henton.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Dole Henton.   Jack and Dot spent their school years together through high school graduation in 1942.  After his military service during WWII, they were married January 27, 1946 in Mattoon, IL.   Jack returned to the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1949 with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology.

The young couple relocated to New Orleans, LA to begin a career with The California Company (Chevron) which took them around the country.  They lived in Wyoming, Colorado, Illinois, Mississippi and Louisiana during the course of Jack’s career which spanned 36 years and positions from staff geologist to recruiter.  Geology was not just Jack’s profession; it was his passion and anyone who traveled through mountainous or unusual terrain with him or found an interesting rock to study,  received a lesson on the earth’s history and formation.

One of Jack’s great pleasures was to visit his rural property in the Boston Mountains near Jasper, AR, where the entire family enjoyed camping and exploring the Buffalo River.  It remains a spot that new generations love to visit.  He took great pride in gardening and teaching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about the natural world.   He was a marvelous teacher and always the first person consulted for the answer to any question.   Jack Henton will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife Dorothy,  Jack is survived by three children, Dorinda Henton  Florea and husband Ron of Carencro, LA; Jeffry Marc Henton, of Carencro, LA; Suzanne Henton Ehrbar and husband Greg of Winter Garden, FL; and former daughter-in-law Elizabeth Henton of Slidell.  His seven grandchildren include Jennifer Florea Connaughton  and husband Jay of Mandeville, LA; Sarah Florea Deroche and husband Kyle of Lafayette, LA; Christopher Henton and wife Shannon of Abita Springs, LA; BJ Henton and wife Jenifer  of Lacombe, LA; Theresa Henton Prejean and husband  Vincent of  Madison, MS; Katie Ehrbar and Colin Ehrbar of Winter Garden, FL; and  11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, William Henton, one sister, Elizabeth Clark; three half-sisters, Birdena, Genevieve, and Evelyn; and half brother, Cecil.

The family would like to thank Jack’s caregivers Sabrina and Stephanie, and the employees of IBC Hospice especially his nurses Sheryl, Angela and Regina for their care and concern during his illness.

The family requests that visitation be held Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 9:00 am until time of service. Memorial contributions can be made in Jack’s name to First Presbyterian Church Lafayette, 1130 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 or to IBC Hospice, Post Office Box 930, Youngsville, LA   70592.