David L. McHenry, 85, of Ashland Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

David was born January 22, 1940, the son of Dwight E. and Magdelina Fern (Heiser) McHenry. He married Mary E. Moore on October 22, 1960.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Mary of Ashland; children, Paul (Theresa) McHenry of Washington, IL, Nancy (William) Groff of Iberia, MO, and Faith Taapken of Ashland; one sister, Mick Huette of Scottsdale, AZ; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice Hand; brother, Harold McHenry (surviving wife, Norma of East Peoria); and his son-in-law, Jim Taapken.

David served in the Peoria National Guard from 1957 – 1961 and then in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 – 1963. He received a bachelor's degree at Minnesota Bible College and then got his Master of Ministry Degree at Kentucky Christian University. After graduating, he was a professor at Ghana Christian College in Ghana, West Africia. David later came back to the States and was the senior minister in Ladysmith, WI, West Frankfort, IL, Chillicothe, IL, Colchester, IL, Shelbyville, IL, and the First Baptist Church in Ashland IL. He loved to share his love for Jesus and God's love for you with everyone that he met.

David obtained his pilot's license and loved to fly; he loved any kind of adventure. He also enjoyed building things, as he was very mechanically inclined. David never met a stranger and would make a connection with anyone he talked to.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will have a private graveside at Ashland Cemetery at a later date. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is assisting with the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Ashland. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.

Final Resting Place
Ashland Cemetery
101 N Yates
Ashland, IL 62612