Chuck Hensley

MARTINEZ, Calif. -- Charles David "Chuck" Hensley of Martinez passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in Martinez on May 30, 2002, after a long and courageous fight against cancer.

Born on Dec. 11, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., David graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School in 1969. After high school, David served his country in the U.S. Army from 1972-1980. David was a proud member of the First Cavalry, specializing in armored vehicles, explosives and sharpshooting. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

After his discharge from the Army, David stayed in Germany, working for Big Bend Community College, becoming fluent in the language and capitalizing on the opportunity to travel. While in Germany, David was a member of the Keepers of the Light Motorcycle Club and then the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club.

In 1993, David returned to the United States, where he quickly worked his way up to operations manager with Cal State Patrol, a security company in San Francisco.

David was married to Kathy Herzog in 1975. She preceded him in death.

David is survived by his companion of 13 years, Karra Jones; his daughter, Candi Murphy of McClure, Ill., and grandchildren Joseph and Amber Murphy; his parents, Charles and Nina Hensley of Windemere, Lake of the Ozarks; a sister, Dianne Kile, and brothers, Dale and Michael.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Amick-Burnett Funderal Chapel in Scott City Friday, June 14, at 2 p.m. Visitation is at 1 p.m., prior to services. Burial will follow later at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, Calif.