Robert Jr
This is an eulogy presented at the funeral of Bob Hensley on March 12, 2015."Good afternoon dear family and friends of Bob and Wanda, and the Hensley Family Clan. On behalf of my brother and sister we thank you for being here today to honour and respect our father.There are so many people who were kind and supportive during Dad's long difficult challenging journey with Alzheimer's, especially my brother and sister, their spouses, and grandchildren who helped so often. Yet, there are two that deserve special recognition today.First, is Uncle Howard. These two men share a special bond of brotherhood. Each had a different journey in life but also had common threads. One was an electrical engineer, one a civil engineer. They milked cows together, they worked on marble jobs throughout the Midwest, they along with Pete Christenberry ran a Skelly Service Station in Stillwater, they went to Oklahoma State University together, and both had successful engineering careers. Their paths parted as each raised their families and their jobs keep them busy. However, when Dad entered Montereau, Howard's visits increased in frequency, first monthly, then weekly, then near the end daily. Seldom will you witness such brotherly love. Thank you Uncle Howard.Second, is our mother. It goes without saying anything about the relationship between our mother and father. They had two diametrically opposed personalities. Yet, their love was as strong as the Rock of Gibraltar. Life threw them many challenges and trials and tribulations. Early on it was financial ones as they traveled as gypsies from one marble job to another and then going to college as 28 year old parents of three children. They own the record for packing and moving to the greatest number of houses for a couple in Tulsa in a lifetime. Then there were health challenges: cancer struck a granddaughter, a son, a son-in-law, his father and many more, including Dad's mother Jessie who suffered his same fate. On each occasion they rose to the challenge with Dad's leadership and Mom's love and their abiding faith.However, their roles reversed when Dad entered Montereau. Mom stepped up to the plate, took charge, and visited him daily. Her love and devotion was unwavering. The cruise queen politely declined trips and vacations to be with her beloved Bob. During the final months of his life she would sleep in his room at Montereau every night for weeks. The staff affectionately called her Wanda Lee or Miss Wanda, a few referred to them as the Love Rooster and Love Chick. Their love was self-evident in his final days as Mom was the only person he always remembered. She held his hand, she told him how much she loved him, she referred to him as her baby,and they would kiss each other. Seldom will you witness such love between a man and a woman. Thank you Mom.In my fathers house, there are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. Bob Hensley has left his earthly mansion, and now is free of the pain and at peace in a new mansion.His legacy as a good man remains. His example of how to live a good life stands strong.I suspect however, that he has already begun planning on how to improve his new mansion. Maybe a better road or a stronger roof or even a marble entryway. And I would guarantee you that it would be not only a better place to live but also one with a better life for those living there.God bless you Hense, and safe travels on your new journey".Robert J Hensley Jr.