Kenneth Henderson-9-20-2026

Kenneth Roy Henderson Sr., affectionately known as “Kenny” and “Toot,” was born on November 21, 1954, in Long Branch, New Jersey, to John Russell Henderson and Ruth Lee Henderson. On August 27, 2026, Kenny entered eternal rest at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Kenny grew up in Monmouth County, where he attended the Tinton Falls public schools and later graduated from Monmouth Regional High School. He continued his education at Delaware State University before answering the call to serve his country as a proud member of the United States Air Force. Throughout his life, Kenny called many places home, including Canton, Ohio; Las Vegas, Nevada; Sarasota & Jacksonville, Florida; Rancho Cordova, California; Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Red Bank, Eatontown, & Asbury Park, New Jersey. No matter where life took him, his roots, his family, and his love of music remained a constant part of who he was.

Professionally, Kenny worked for Elcon Sales in Eatontown, New Jersey, where he served as a shipping manager before his retirement. But while work was a part of his life, music was one of his greatest gifts. Ever the consummate entertainer, Kenny was professionally known as “Kenhe,” a remarkably talented pianist and vocalist. His ability to sit behind a piano, command a room, and connect with people through music became one of the defining threads of his life. As a solo artist, he performed at many well-known restaurants and venues throughout the area, including McLoone’s restaurants, Mr. C’s, Raven and the Peach, Buona Sera, and Pazzo.

Over the years, Kenny also shared the stage and his musical gifts with numerous groups and fellow musicians, including the Nu Men of Soul, Sandstorm, Nu’Eara, Ol’ Skool Band, Valerie Adams at St. Mark’s Church, The Dimension Band, Wayne Hughley, James White, Jose Rivera, Plan B Band, and many others. Music was more than something Kenny performed. It was a language he used to connect with people and bring joy into countless rooms. His love for music was also deeply connected to his faith. Kenny accepted Christ at an early age. Later in life, he became a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, Manasquan, NJ, where he served as Minister of Music and sang as a member of the church choir. He freely shared the gift God gave him, using music not only to entertain but also to worship, encourage, and uplift others.

Away from the piano, Kenny was known for his personality, his sense of humor, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He loved to cook and barbecue, and he enjoyed bringing people together around good food, conversation, laughter, and music. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, and those who knew him understood that Kenny rarely had a stranger around for long.Above all else, family held a special place in Kenny’s heart. He took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren and in the lives they built for themselves. He loved his family deeply and was proud of the Henderson name and of being a “Henboy.”

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, John Russell Henderson; his beloved son, Derek Henderson; his brothers, Richard Henderson and Kevin Henderson; and his dearly loved cousin, Althea Henderson. Kenny leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Ruth Lee Henderson; his sons, Kenneth “Ken” Henderson Jr. and his wife, Erica; Marcques Henderson and his wife, Tisha; Richard “Peanut” Henderson, and Dalvin Cox; his beloved daughter-in-law, Carrie Henderson, wife of his late son Derek; his grandson, Alakai; and his granddaughters, Karmyla, Kenniah, Keairah, Khyanah, Aviyah, Jordan, and Rogue Henderson. He also leaves to cherish his memory Darlene Henderson, his first wife and the mother of his sons Kenneth, Marcques, and Derek; his former wife, Rose Casiano; his sisters, Karen Henderson and Sherelle Ramey Beckham; his sister-in-law, Daphne Henderson; his beloved uncle, Donald Henderson; his nieces, Chandra Daniels, Stephanie Snyder, Lisa Henderson, Kayla Henderson, Amber Henderson and Sherlin Beckham; his special cousins, Michael Barbour and Chester Henderson; along with his other cherished cousins, extended family members, fellow musicians, church family, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Kenny’s life cannot be measured simply by the places he lived, the jobs he held, or even the many stages on which he performed. His true legacy lives in the family he loved, the music he shared, the relationships he built, the laughter he created, and the memories he leaves behind. Though his piano has grown quiet, the music Kenny placed into the lives of those who loved him will continue to play on. He was a great man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered as he rests in the precious arms of Christ.