Donald Wayne Hensley
Donald Wayne Hensley
Donald Wayne Hensley “Don” was born on March 23, 1937, and passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, papa, brother, and friend.
Don graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1956 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961.
On July 10, 1960, he married the love of his life Edith Lenore Olney “Edie”, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned over six decades. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community.
After his military duty, Don and Edie moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Don began a successful career in the automotive and trucking industries. He worked at Norclay Automotive and Central Power/Detroit Diesel before joining Farmland Industries, where he initially worked in the parts department and later transitioned to a role in trucking. He eventually launched his own trucking business and cherished the opportunity to run alongside his son Jeff.
A devoted family man, Don was immensely proud of his family, especially his granddaughter Jenee Hensley, affectionally referred to as “Mickey Mouse”.
His love for antique tractors led him to a fulfilling hobby of tractor pulling, where he enjoyed many years of friendly competition and camaraderie. Don’s passion for RVing brought him joy and adventure as he and Edie traveled and explored with their loved ones, making cherished memories along the way.
Don was deeply involved in community service. He dedicated numerous years to the Missouri State Campers Association, serving in various roles and contributing to the community he loved. He was an active member of McMurry United Methodist Church, where his commitment to service and fellowship was felt by all who knew him. His life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and love for family and community.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Edith, son Jeffrey Allen (Renee) and granddaughter Jenee Jolain Hensley. He is also survived by his brother Raymond (Judy), in-laws Marilyn (Olney) Monday (James) and Leroy Olney, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruby Hensley, his brother Gary, and his in-laws Helen Olney Miller and Clark, Thelma Olney Kite, Roger Olney, Charlotte Olney Trammell, and Georgia Olney.
Service was held 1 p.m. – Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Armstrong Funeral Home, Mount Ayr, Iowa.
