Michael J. Henshaw 1944-2017

Michael J. Henshaw, 72, passed away Wednesday evening, March 22, 2017, at his residence. He was born Nov. 21, 1944, in Harrisburg, the son of the late A.J. Henshaw and Morean Elms Henshaw. He married the former Lavon Tanner on Nov. 25, 1995, and she survives.

Michael was a graduate of Carrier Mills High School in 1963 and attended Southeastern Illinois College where he graduated in 1965. He then attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he received his B.A. from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1967. Then he attended IIT Chicago Kent College of Law where he obtained his juris doctor degree in 1971 and was admitted to the Illinois bar the same year.

He ran for Saline County states atorney in 1972 and was elected and served through 1976. After serving this term he went into private practice for two years before becoming circuit judge of Saline County in 1978. He then was the presiding Circuit Judge from 1978 through 1998 and he became the chief judge of the First Judicial Circuit until his retirement in November 2006. In 2008 he again ran for Saline County states attorney being elected and currently held this position at the time of his death.

Michael attended First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.

Survivors include his wife, Lavon of Harrisburg; sons, Brad (Verlinda) Henshaw of Harrisburg; son, Jarrod (Sarah) Henshaw of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter, Sarah (Walter) Powell of Murrietta, California; son, Todd (Alexa Merritt) Stevens of Longmont, Colorado; nephew, Derrick Sandifer, who was raised in the home, of Longmont; beloved friend and exchange student, Luka Djedovic of Belgrade, Serbia; and his beloved pet, Gracie; grandchildren, Whitney Henshaw of Harco, Anneliese and Mitchell Henshaw of Jacksonville, Florida, and Morgan and Alexa Powell of Murrietta; brothers, Harry Henshaw and children Rebecca and Aaron of Miami, Florida, and Brent Henshaw of Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents.