Wilbur C. Henderson Jr., real estate developer

Wilbur C. Henderson Jr., 89, a real estate developer and longtime Folcroft resident, died of natural causes Saturday, June 8, at Plush Mills Senior Living, Wallingford.

He was president and CEO of the Henderson Group Inc., a commercial and industrial real estate developer in Delaware County with offices in Media and Melbourne, Fla.

Mr. Henderson was the second generation to head the Henderson Group, which was founded by his father, Wilbur Henderson Sr., in 1923. The firm's first job was to fix a door, and a light fixture, at a home in Philadelphia, according to company lore.

The company grew to handle tens of millions of dollars of business over the years. Among its projects: the Airport Business Center in Tinicum; the Chesley Office Campus in Nether Providence; the Folcroft Business Park in Folcroft, Sharon Hill and Darby Township; the Village at Painters Crossing in Chadds Ford; and the Chadds Ford Business Center.

Longtime family friend Bill Taylor described Mr. Henderson as "a Christian businessman who cared for others, not himself."

Mr. Henderson received the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 in recognition of years of service, including as chamber president. He also served on the Planning Commission for the Borough of Folcroft.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Henderson was a graduate of John Bartram High School. He graduated from Drexel University in 1947. A trustee emeritus, he was named one of Drexel's most outstanding 100 alumni during its centennial in 1992.

Mr. Henderson served in the Army during World War II as a member of the 82d Airborne Division, 508th Parachute Infantry. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He was a former member of the board of trustees of the Florida Institute of Technology, former member of the Delaware County Government Study Commission, and member of the Greater Philadelphia First Corporation.

Mr. Henderson joined the Folcroft Union Church in 1950 and served as senior deacon. He also helped plan and implement church building projects.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, the former Betty Lea Washabaugh; a son, Steven K., and two grandchildren.

Another son, David C. Henderson Sr., 44, died in December 1999 of a heart attack after a morning jog. He was being groomed to replace Mr. Henderson as third-generation president and CEO of the Henderson Group, Taylor said.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Folcroft Union Church, 500 Primos Ave., Folcroft, Pa. 19032. Burial is private.

Contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 455 Business Center Dr., #155, Horsham, Pa. 19044, or to the Folcroft Union Church.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcgfh.com.