Hensley, Kenneth R. 1935-2024 Liberty, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
LIBERTY, Mo. – Kenneth Rex Hensley passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Wellington Senior Living, in Liberty, Missouri, surrounded by his family. Kenneth, the son of Elza and Marie (Grace) Hensley, was born on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1935, near Lone Star, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Franklin Hensley; brothers, Richard Jr., Eldon, Robert and Bill; and one sister, Leola.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan Hensley; and three children, Nancy Bagnall, of Liberty, Kenneth C. Hensley (wife Teresa), of Lake Winnebago, Missouri, and Robyn Neth (husband Harold), of Liberty, and daughter-in-law, Zatuilla Nara, of Jefferson City, Missouri.
He took great pride in celebrating the milestones of his and Joan’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Nancy’s children, Derek Brown, wife Shelly, and daughters, Paige Brown and Lulu (Brown) Freitas, husband Gabe and a great-great- granddaughter due in May 2025; Nancy’s son, Charles E. Bagnall, fiance Kate and daughter, Kimberly (Bagnall) Bloomingdale, husband Travis, children Jude and Harper; Kenny’s son Kenneth “Frank” Hensley, wife Heather, children Beric and Violet. Robyn’s daughter Kristi Neth and son Adam, wife Whitney, and children Henry, Wyatt, Lucas and Hattie. John’s daughter Jackie Hensley.
He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1953 and remained close to those classmates throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He was a member of the Albany United Methodist Church over 60 years.
Kenneth was an active merchant in his beloved Albany, Missouri. He purchased the Chevrolet dealership in Albany from Vance Parman in 1973 after having worked in the dealership since 1958.
He was also a loyal and active Democrat to the end. He took great pride in campaigning for Lt. Gov. Bill Morris, Gov. Warren Hearnes, Gov. Mel Carnahan, Gov. Bob Holden and US Senator Claire McCaskill. He was actively involved in the development of wind energy in Northwest Missouri along with his son, John.
He served on the Albany City Council, Gentry County Commission, Missouri Lottery Commission, and on the Federal Farm Services Agency board for Missouri. He was also a member of the American Legion, Shriners and Masonic Lodge. Kenneth also served on several bank boards. In these various positions he strived to make life better for the people of Northwest Missouri and Gentry County.
Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial with Military Rites in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the chapel. Friends may call anytime after 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorial Contributions: Albany United Methodist Church in care of the Roberson-Polley hapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402.
Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
