Officer Derod A. Henderson

Chicago Police Department
Chicago, IL

Date of Death: March 4, 2019

Age: 61
Years of Service: 21
Duty Status: Retired 2017
Military Veteran: No” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Arvo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”shadow” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Derod A. Henderson was born on May 2, 1957 in Chicago, IL to the union of Walter and Barbara (Green) Henderson. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools, graduating from Bryn Mawr Elementary School in 1971 and South Shore High School in 1975. His favorite activity was running track in high school. He completed one year of studying Industrial Engineering at the Walton Industrial Engineering College.

Derod had several hobbies that he enjoyed. He was an avid gardener from a young age having been taught about horticulture from a neighbor. He maintained and landscaped beautiful flower gardens wherever he lived. For many years, Derod collected stamps; however, collecting American coins was his passion. He also liked to watch old Western television shows and movies. Derod had a strong faith and belief in God. He believed in taking care of his physical self by running and using holistic medicines.

Derod began his career at Playboy Enterprises in 1975 and retired after 21 years of dedicated employment. He truly enjoyed his time working in the security department and that is where he met several of his lifelong friends. Derod’s second career was with the Chicago Police Department as a Patrol Officer, which began in November, 1996. During his 20 years, he was recognized many times for his service and received numerous Honorable Mentions and was Officer of the Year. He retired in January, 2017.

In 1984, Derod met Brenda Whitworth and they were married on October 2, 1988. In April, 1995, their twin daughters were born. They were truly the light of his life. He enjoyed playing with them in the yard and taking them to the park when they were young; attending ice skating and cheerleading competitions as they got older; and always sharing his knowledge of stamps, coins, and finances with them. Family was an important part of his life. He enjoyed hosting family brunches and thanksgiving dinners for extended family and friends; there was always room at the table and there was always laughter.

Derod, you are gone, but will never be forgotten. You will truly be missed by all.