Michael J. Henshaw of Harrisburg
HARRISBURG -- Michael J. Henshaw, 72, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at his residence.  
He was born Nov. 21, 1944 in Harrisburg, 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 then attended Southeastern Illinois College where he graduated in 1965.  He then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he received his B.A. from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1967. Then, he attended II-T Chicago Kent College of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1971 and was admitted to the Illinois bar the same year.  
He ran for Saline County State's Attorney in 1972 and was elected and served through 1976.  After serving that term, he went into private practice for two years before becoming Circiuit Court Judge of Saline County in 1978.  
He was the presiding Circuit Judge from 1978 through 1998 and became the Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit until his retirement in November 2006.  In 2008, he again ran for Saline County State's Attorney, was elected, and held the position at the time of his death.
Michael attended the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.
Survivors include his wife, Lavon, of Harrisburg; sons Brad (Verlinda) Henshaw, of Harrisburg and Jarrod (Sarah) Henshaw of Jacksonville, Florida, son, Todd (Alexa Merritt) Stevens of Longmont, Colorado; daughter, Sarah (Walter) Powell of Murrietta, California; grandchildren, Whitney Henshaw of Harco, Anneliese and Mitchell Henshaw of Jacksonville, Florida and Morgan and Alexa Powell of Murrietta, California; brothers, Harry Henshaw and children, Rebecca and Aaron of Miami, and Brent Henshaw of Denver; nephew, Darrick Sandifer, who was raised in the home of Longmont, Colorado; beloved friend and exchange student, Luka Djedovic, of Belgrade, Serbia; and beloved pet, Gracie.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents.
In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated.  Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg with Pastor Christine Cunningham officiating.  
There will be no visitation prior to the services. The family requests that flowers, plants and novelties be omitted.  For those who desire a remembrance, the preferred choice would be memorials to the Harrisburg High School Athletic Department, CASA of Saline County or the Harrisburg First United Methodist Church Children's Ministry.  Envelopes will be available at the service.  
Arrangements are entrusted to Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills.