James Hensley

BENTON, Mo. -- James Thomas Hensley, 89, of Benton died Friday, May 25, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 1, 1923, in Benton, to Thomas Marshall and Eva Mae Davidson Hensley. He and Hazel Vera Riley were married Nov. 5, 1949, in Hartford, Ill. She preceded him in death Sept. 13, 1996.

James was a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force 10 years, serving during World War II and the Korean conflict.

He was operating engineer with Shell Refinery 13 years, and utilities operating engineer at SIU-Edwardsville 22 years. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton and American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston, Mo.

He is survived by a son, Gordon Hensley of Benton; two daughters, Brenda England of Las Vegas, Marsha (Bill) Stowell of Grandview, Mo.; a brother, Tony (Shirley) Hensley of Benton; a sister, Rebecca (Roy) Moore of Benton; a sister-in law, Helen Hensley of Centralia, Ill.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son-in-law, Bud England; two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Unity Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will be in Unity Baptist Cemetery with full military honors.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.