'Always Be Nice To Each Other': World War II Vet's Final Advice

HOMEWOOD, IL — The family of John Robert "Jack" Henneberry, a World War II and Korean War veteran who was the longtime principal at Western Avenue School in Homewood, made sure to leave what they call a "special thought" in his obituary posted by the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood.

"John would like to leave a special thought," the obituary reads.

"Always be nice to each other."

Henneberry, of Homewood, was 93 when he died on June 17. He was a United States Navy corpsman in both wars and then found a calling in education, serving as a teacher, basketball coach, principal and assistant superintendent.

He was the principal at Western Avenue School from 1968 to 1985, a feature in the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle indicates. Some of his most memorable sayings were included in a book written about him, "Words from Mr. Genneberry: An Inspiration to His Students."

Henneberry's obituary also states he was "an avid daily golfer," having sunk two hole-in-ones in his life.

The Henneberry family was not available when they were attempted to be reached through the funeral home on Tuesday.

Services have been held.