Charles W. Hensley

Former Clay Center resident Charles W. Hensley, 87, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, NE. Services will be Monday, October 15, 2012 at 10:30 am at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, Hastings, NE with the Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Clay Center Cemetery, Clay Center, NE with military rites. Visitation will be Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 12 noon to 9 pm with the family present from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home, Hastings, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Memorials may be given to AseraCare Hospice or the family. Charles was born July 5, 1925 to Clarence and Clara (Carpenter) Hensley in Burns, KS. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 during WWII. He married Erna Huber on July 25, 1949; she passed away October 19, 1951 together they had one daughter Gloria. On January 2, 1953 he married Arlene Stahnke, to this union was born four children, Steve, Sheryl, Judy and Brenda. Charles worked in construction during his early years and later he was a lineman for the NPPD for 30 years, retiring in 1987. Charles and Arlene moved to Hastings from Clay Center, NE to be closer to family. Charles was a member of the American Legion Post 87 in Clay Center, NE and the VFW. He loved fishing, gardening and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Arlene of Hastings, NE, four daughters, Gloria Hensley of Elmwood, NE, Sheryl Shuck and husband Tim of Hastings, NE, Judy Hensley of Lake Jackson, TX, and Brenda Earnhart and husband David of York, NE, three granddaughters and five great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Erna, one son Steven and one sister, Flossie White.