Lawrence Oliver Hensley, one of nine children born to the union of Clarence R. and Ethel (Walters) Hensley, was born May 16, 1920 in Laquey, Missouri where he grew up. He began attending school and graduated from Waynesville High School in 1939. After graduating, Lawrence attended three semesters at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg.
In 1942, Lawrence entered the United States Army Air Corp and served his country faithfully for the next 36 years. He had attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and had earned several awards and commendations. Some of those include: 6 Bronze Stars for Air Offensive – Europe, Normandy, Southern France Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe Campaigns and the Good Conduct Medal.
After retiring from the military, Lawrence began working at the Missouri National Guard in Jefferson City in the Adjunct General’s Office and retired in 1977.
On January 1, 1942, Lawrence was united in marriage to Margaret Farr. They shared many years together before she preceded him in death on December 3, 1991. They were blessed with one son, Larry.
Lawrence was united in marriage to Velma Lois (Bell) Crider on October 30, 1993 in Jefferson City, Missouri. They shared many wonderful memories together.
After a time, Lawrence and Velma moved to the Waynesville area and they enjoyed traveling together. In his spare time, Lawrence loved being outdoors enjoying God’s creation while hunting and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 5 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #103, both in Jefferson City.
Lawrence made a profession of faith as a young man and he was a faithful member of the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville.
Lawrence went home to be with his Lord the morning of Monday, January 16, 2012 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla having attained the age of 91 years and 8 months.
Lawrence will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his wife, Velma Hensley of the home; four brothers: Dennis Hensley (Ruth) of Columbia, MO, Dwight Hensley (Marilyn) of Waynesville, MO, Douglas Hensley (Jeanette) of Orick, MO and Melvin Hensley of Waynesville, MO; two sisters: Barbara Johnson of Albuquerque, NM and Marlene Hartley of Richland, MO; daughter-in-law: Rosemary Hensley of Rock Hill, MO; one granddaughter: Jennifer Gomez (Ronald); one great grandson: Leo Gomez; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Lawrence was preceded in death by one son, Larry Hensley, one brother, Donald Hensley and one stillborn brother Alvin Hensley.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. Lindell Shelden and Rev. John Shaw officiating. David Hartley, Lawrence’s nephew, gave a beautiful eulogy. Pianist Renita Demalade accompanied Becky Lercher as she sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Nearer My God to Thee”. Serving as escorts were David, Mike, Robert and Josh Hartley, Joe Petrich and Marvin Long. Serving as honorary escorts were Dennis, Dwight, Douglas and Melvin Hensley.
Burial with military honors followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.
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