Mary A. Hensley d. 11 February 1912

Obituary

The Angel of death visited the home of J.H. Hensley near the Berean church and took away his beloved mother, Mary A. Hensley. She was born October 18, 1852 and died February 11, 1912 and was buried at the Hazelgreen cemetery. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church for 42 years. For some time she had been slightly afflicted but seemed to bear her affliction cheerfully. Her husband and two children preceded her to the Great Beyond by several years. She leaves four children and several grand children to mourn the loss of a Christian mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed in the community in which she lived. Funeral services were conducted by the writer. J.T. Nickels

The Pulaski County Democrat
Waynesville, Missouri
15 February 1912, Thursday
Page 1

Mary E. Rains d. 13 August 1904

OBITUARY

Mary E. Rains was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, July 19th, 1841 and died at Crocker, Mo., August 13, 1904. She came with her parents to Barry County, Missouri, in 1863, was married in May of the same year to Thomas Stockton, and they came to Pulaski County the December following, where she has ever since lived.

She is the mother of seven children, one of which died in infancy, and the others all live in Pulaski County except Mrs. Belle Overby who lives in Texas. Besides her children she leaves her husband, Wash Raines, her brother and many friends and neighbors who will mourn her loss.

She has been afflicted with heart trouble for some time and for the past two years has been confined to her bed the greater part of the time.

She has been a member of the Church of Christ for nearly twenty-five years and was always at her place in the church since I have known her, if it was possible for her to be there, even when in poor health. She talked freely of death and expressed a readiness to go where the weary are at rest and there shall be no more pain. She was patient to the last. A companion and mother has gone, buy may the loved ones live so as to meet her again.

Funeral services were conducted at the church in Crocker by J.R. Blunt Sunday, August 14th at 3 p.m., after which the remains were laid to rest in the Crocker cemetery.

J.R. Blunt

The Pulaski County Democrat
Waynesville, Missouri
26 August 1904, Friday
Page 1

John Harrison Hensley d. 4 January 1964

John H. Hensley

WAYNESVILLE- John Harrison Hensley, 87, a longtime resident of Waynesville, died at 3 a.m. today in the Waynesville General Hospital after a short illness.

He is survived by three sons, Clarence and Oba, both of Waynesville, and Roland, state of California; three daughters, Mrs. Oma Willits and Mrs. Ressie Long, both of Waynesville, and Mrs. Opal Church, Springfield; 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the West Side Baptist Church here with the Rev. Clarence Smith officiating. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery here under direction of Moss-Williams.

Springfield Leader and Press
Springfield, Missouri
4 January 1964, Saturday
Page 7

Thomas Zachariah Hensley d. 4 April 1940

Thomas Zachariah Hensley, son of John and Mary Hensley was born near Union in Franklin County, Missouri on December 29, 1846. He passed away at his home in Dixon, Missouri, April 4, 1940, at the age of 93 years 3 months, and 5 days.

His family moved to Pulaski County while he was still a child.

He enlisted in the Union Army September 16, 1864 at the age of 17. He served until June 9, 1865 and was mustered out at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri.

 He then returned to his home in Pulaski County where May 25, 1872, he was married to Mary Overby. To this union were born 8 children, 6 of whom survive and all reside in California.

He lost his wife through death in April, 1889.

On May 5, 1901 he was united in marriage to La Venia Thomas. To this union were born 4 children, all of whom survive.

He united with the Christian religion early in life.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, 10 children, 19 grandchildren, 27 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Services from Gilbert's Chapel, Dixon, April 6, in charge of Chris Veasman and the American Legion posts of Dixon and Iberia.

Mr. Hensley was a pioneer of this section and laid to rest in Dixon Cemetery.

Dixon Pilot
Dixon, Missouri
11 April 1940

William Vestal Hensley d. 31 December 1963

WAYNESVILLE- Funeral services for William Vestal Hensley, 67, of Waynesville, who died at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Pulaski County General Hospital, will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Waynesville Baptist Church.

Officiating will be the Rev. John Johnson and burial will be in Waynesville Memorial Cemetery under direction of Moss-Williams.

Mr. Hensley, a longtime resident, was a building contractor. He had been a patient in the hospital for 15 weeks, suffering from a heart ailment.

Survivors include his wife, Belva Lavena; one son, William M., St. Louis; one daughter, Mrs. Wanda Jean Owen, St. Louis; one step-son, Francis H. Rigsby, Silver Springs, Md.; one brother, Hiram H., St. Louis; and nine grandchildren.

Springfield Leader and Press
Springfield, Missouri
2 January 1964
Page 34

Peggy Hensley d. May 7, 1904

Died, at the home of her son Irven Hensley, near town Saturday, May 7th, 1904, Aunt Peggy Hensley. Mrs. Hensley was one of the oldest residents in the county, being 84 years old at the time of her death. She leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She was a good woman and will be sadly missed in the community. The family have the sympathy of all

Snowden Lee Ray 1915-2005

Snowden Lee Ray, son of the late John Tice and Maude P. (Hensley) Ray, was born June 4, 1915 in Pulaski County, Missouri, where he grew up an attended school.

On November 11, 1939, in Waynesville, Missouri, Snowden was united in marriage with Zelpha I. (Threlkeld). Zelpha preceded him in death on August 21, 1975.

Snowden proudly and courageously served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was at Normandy on D-Day.

Snowden owned and operated his own dump truck business for many years. He was a member of the Waynesville United Methodist Church. Snowden loved being outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed sitting outside admiring God's creation.

Snowden went home to be with his Lord the morning of September 21, 2005 at his home in Richland, Missouri, at the age of 90 years, 3 months and 17 days.

He will be sadly missed by a niece: Opal Thompson of Nixa; three nephews: Johnny Lee Ray of Jessieville, Arkansas, Larry Wayne Ray of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Roger Hatfield of Dixon; a sister-in-law: Velma Hatfield of Dixon and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Snowden was also preceded in death by a sister: Sylvia Burnside and three brothers: Johnny, Charles and Jess Ray.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 23 at Memorial Chapel in Waynesville with Rev. David Brown officiating. Pianist, Becky Lercher sang, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace." Serving as escorts were Roger Hatfield, Johnny Lee and Larry Wayne Ray, Michael Hillian and Larry Threlkeld.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Lawrence Oliver Hensley 1920-2012

 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.

Clarence Ray Hensley 1899-1987

Clarence Ray Hensley was born the son of John & Altie (Parsons) Hensley on May 1, 1899 in Laquey, Missouri and departed this life Thursday morning, July 16, 1987, having attained the age of 88 years.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was a charter member of Westside Baptist Church.

On February 1, 1919, Clarence was united in marriage to Ethel Walters and to this union nine children were born. They shared and enjoyed sixty-three years of marriage.

Clarence was a business man for over 65 years in the Waynesville community working with produce and fur. He served on the Waynesville School Board for thirteen years and also served on the Waynesville City Council several years. He was a member of the Waynesville Lion’s Club when the Old Settlers Day Picnics were first originated. Clarence enjoyed gardening and hunting and made several trips to Alaska to hunt. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m. in the Westside Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Schaffer and Rev. Norman Sanders officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Lou Long, and soloist, Rev. Lindell Shelden.

Escorts were David Hartley, Mike Hartley, Robert Hartley, Larry Hensley, Kevin Jeffries, Dave Lock, Joe Petrich, Steve Remes, and John Trigg. Honorary escorts were Chris Hensley and Jason Hensley.

Interment was in the Mitchell Cemetery, Waynesville, Missouri under the direction of the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Clarence is survived by five sons, Lawrence of Jefferson City, Dennis of Columbia, Dwight of Waynesville, Douglas of Orrick, Missouri, Melvin of Waynesville; two daughters, Barbara Johnson of the state of Colorado, and Marlene Hartley of Waynesville; one sister, Bessie Long of Waynesville; and one brother, Rowland Hensley of the state of California; 20 grandchildren, and 11 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; two sons, Don and Elvin; his parents; two brothers, Lester and Oba Hensley, and two sisters, Oma Willets and Opal Church; and two great-grandchildren

Jess L. Ray 1910-1984

Jess L. Ray of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Waynesville, Missouri was born on October 30, 1910 in Pulaski County, Missouri and went to be with his Lord on Thursday, September 6, 1984. He had attained the age of 73 years, 10 months and 6 days.

His father was Tice Ray and his mother Maude (Hensley) Ray. He was united in marriage to Edith McKinnon on December 27, 1932 and to this union one daughter was born. He is survived by his wife, Edith, of Springfield, Missouri, his daughter, Opal Thompson of Fair Grove, Missouri, two brothers, Snowden and Johnny of Springfield, Missouri and one sister, Sylvia Burnside of St. George, Utah. He was preceded in death by his father, his mother and one brother.

Jess was a retired businessman. While living in the Waynesville area he was instrumental in helping build and establish the St. Robert Assembly of God Church and donated much time, labor and material. He loved the Lord and he and his wife Edith were early members of the St. Robert Assembly of God Church.

Servant of God, well done!
Rest from thy loved employ!
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy.

The pains of death are past,
Labour and sorrow cease;
And life's long warfare closed at last,
His soul is found in peace.

Funeral services for Mr. Jess L. Ray were conducted at 2:00 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, September 9, 1984 at the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Brother James Routh officiating. Music by organist Marjorie Link and soloist, Iva Mae Case.

Interment was in the Waynesville Memorial Park. Escorts were Lloyd lane, Loy Treat, Wilmer Greer, Jim Thompson, Johnny Lee Ray and Larry Wayne Ray. Honorary Pallbearer Howard Shockley. Jess will be sorely missed by those surviving as he was well liked by all who knew him.

Services were conducted by Waynesville Memorial Chapel-Bill and Janell Walters.

Oba Orville Hensley 1901-1984

Oba Orville Hensley was born a son of John Harrison Hensley and Atta Edith (Parsons) Hensley March 23, 1901 in Laquey, Missouri and departed this life August 25, 1984 at the Pulaski County Memorial Hospital in Waynesville, Missouri in his 83rd year.

He was united in marriage to Mildred Emaline Willets on May 6, 1920 and to this union seven daughters were born.

They shared 52 years together.

He was a member of the Richland First Baptist Church and a member of the Fox Hunter’s Association. He lived all his life in the Pulaski County area. He had a special fondness for children and much love and pride of family and many friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by six daughters, Dorothy Burgess and Carolyn Ford, both of Richland, Missouri; Cleda Reser of Camdenton, Missouri; Edna Jones of Crocker, Missouri; Gladys Crisman of Springfield, Missouri; 17 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Emaline Willets, one daughter Hazel Hensley, one brother Lester (Bill) Hensley, one sister Oma Willets, and his parents John and Edith Hensley.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 27, 1984 at 3:00 p.m. in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dale Huff and Rev. Harley Dye officiating.

Interment was in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery under direction of the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Organist was Marjorie Link.

Those serving as escorts were B.P. Thacker, Tommy Henson, Victor Henson, Jack Henson, Gordon walls, and Harry Bright. Those serving as Honorary Escorts were

(Remaining text of this Pulaski County, Missouri obituary is missing)

Lester Harrison Hensley 1915-1955

Lester Harrison Hensley, son of J.H. Hensley and Altie E. Hensley, born near the Berean Church, January 15, 1915, passed away at the age of 40 years, five months and 28 days.

Lester was united in marriage to Lillian Mae Springer of Springfield, Missouri June 19, 1938. To this union three children were born, all surviving. Johnny, age 16 years, Terry, age 10, and Sherry, age 10 years. Also a father J.H. Hensley of Springfield and mother Altie of Springfield, Missouri. Brothers Clarence, and Oba of Waynesville, and Rowland of Sacramento, California. Sisters, Mrs. Charles Willits, and Mrs. Virgil Long of Waynesville, and Mrs. Henry Church of Springfield, Missouri, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

At the age of seven years Lester’s family moved to Waynesville where most of his life was spent. He was converted at the age of 11 years and united with the First Baptist Church in Waynesville where he was a faithful member and worker in the Young People’s Intermediate, and Junior Departments, until his health prevented him from doing so.

Funeral services and arrangements for burial in the Mitchell Cemetery in Waynesville was under the direction of Hedges Funeral Homes of Richland, Missouri.

Funeral services were conducted at the First Baptist Church by pastor, Rev. J. Scott Blystone. Singing of solos by Rev. Kenneth Bandy, pastor of Baptist Church, Lebanon, Missouri and a friend of many years. The songs being requested by Lester. “Sunrise Tomorrow”, also “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”.

Pallbearers were his nephews, Marvin Long, Dwight Hensley, Lindell Church, Roy Long, Dale Church and Kenneth Willits.

Lester for many years has suffered with Chronic Rheumatic fever and a resulting heart ailment, but through all his illness his life was spent in patient and uncomplaining services to his family, always thinking of them first.

All who knew Lester as his friend, knew that he was ready to go meet Him whom he trusted.

Lester’s life was spent being ready for this moment of leave taking here and entry over there.

Good night Lester, we’ll see you in the morning.

*Note: Lester H. Hensley passed away July 13, 1955



View Death Certificate

Wanda J. (Hensley) Owen 1923-2009

Owen, Wanda J. (nee: Hensley), of O'Fallon, Missouri, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at the age of 86. Dearest wife of the late Dr. Robert E. Owen, Jr.; dear daughter of the late William and the late Leah Hensley; loving mother of Barbara L. (Oliver) Schuler, Robert E. (Lynn) Owen, III, Thomas B. (Carol) Owen, and Julie A. (Tim Amato) Sehnert; treasured grandmother of Melissa, Mollie, Jennifer, Jake, Jamie, and Angela, and great-grandmother of Mary, Owen, Jackson, Noah, Grant, and Olivia; survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother, Bill Hensley.

Born July 23, 1923 Waynesville, Missouri

Wanda was a homemaker. She was a member of many Bridge clubs and was of the Presbyterian faith.

Cornelius Melvin Jones 1959-2009

Cornelius Melvin Jones, of Crocker, was born on January 12, 1959, in Waynesville, a son of Cornelius Mackney and Edna Marie (Hensley) Jones, and departed this life at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2009 at his residence in Crocker. Mr. Jones had attained the age of 50 years, 5 months and 8 days.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his father and three nephews, Steven McMurtrey, Jason Jones, and Randy Jones. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Fox Hunting Association and had worked as a supervisor for the Independent Stave Company, Lebanon.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Jones include: his mother, Edna Jones, Dixon; three sons, Joseph Lee Jones, Burbank, California; Jeremy Jones Laws, Camdenton; and Dustin Jones, Laquey; three brothers, Gary Jones and wife, Janet, Sedalia; Butch Jones and wife Jean, Crocker; Danny Jones and wife, Jennifer, Crocker; two sisters, Judy McMurtrey, Crocker and Christina Lentz; Richland; one granddaughter; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held for Mr. Jones from 12 Noon to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2009, in the Long Funeral Home, Crocker with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 p.m.
Inurnment will be in the Crocker Cemetery.