Robert "Bob" Hensley

Robert Dee Hensley, “Bob, George,” of Fordland, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, on December 23, 2024, at 3:08 a.m.

He was born and raised in Hartville, Missouri, with his mother, Dessie Ann (Smith) Hensley and father, Everett H Hensley, along with his five older brothers, Dale, Glenn, Donnie, Morris, and Jimmie and a younger sister, Beth. Robert spent his formative years in the close-knit community of Hartville in a two-room house on the outskirts of town. His mother and dad taught them values and character that gave all the children the strength to go on and become successful in loving and teaching character-building traits in their own children.

In that close-knit community of Hartville, he met the love of his life, Pamela June Rust. The couple married on June 15, 1965, embarking on nearly six decades of life together filled with love and devotion. In 1969, they moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Robert began a long and fulfilling career with UPS. Over the course of 30 years with the company, he exemplified dedication and hard work before retiring in 1998.

Robert served in the United States Army from March 1965 – August 1965, and then transferred to the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged on January 15, 1971. 

Robert had an extremely strong work ethic that he passed on to his family by building many homes in the Seymour, Rogersville, Fordland, Springfield, Nixa, and Ozark communities, touching the lives of so many by helping young families start a life of home ownership with extreme pleasure.

Robert never met a stranger, and he took every child he met in as his – loving them as if they were his own child or grandchild. He loved hard and he loved completely. He had quite a sense of humor and was extremely afraid of snakes which his friends and family took great advantage of. He was easily jumpy which his children took extreme delight in capitalizing on. He took it all in stride and with great joy.

Robert found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures. He cherished time spent fishing and relished summers at the lake surrounded by loved ones. Whether sharing laughter with friends or creating lasting memories with his children and grandchildren, Robert’s warmth and kindness left an enduring impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dessie, his father, Everett, and five brothers, Dale, Glenn, Donnie, Morris and Jimmie.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Pamela Hensley; his children, Karla Denise Gress and husband, Dean, Shauna DeAnn Kayser and husband, Rob, and Clyde Everett Hensley and wife, Holly Ann; four cherished grandchildren, Austen Dean Gress and wife, Nicole, Abbye Rose Marie Gress and her partner, Taylor Brown, Ayden Robert Gress, and Everett William Hensley; one great-grandchild, Remi Jane Gress; his younger sister, Beth Robertson, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and “adopted” children and grandchildren.

Robert Dee Hensley will be remembered for the love he shared so freely with family and friends. His legacy of kindness, joy, and laughter will continue to bring comfort to those who knew him well.