Robert Joseph Hensley's Obituary
Robert Joseph HensleyRobert Joseph Hensley, Sr., lived a full and blessed life with no regrets. He was born October 3, 1929 and passed away on March 7, 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bob married his high school sweetheart Wanda Lee Christenberry, also from Tulsa, on August 8th, 1948. Their sixty-five year marriage produced three children, Robert Joseph, Jr., (spouse Nadine), Ronald Lee (spouse Barbara), and Dawna Gayle Nicholson (spouse Scott); six grandchildren, Summer, Christopher, Matthew, Kyle, Jessica, Holly and great grand children Grant and Seth.Bob was the second child of Jessie Mae Vick and Ora Jewell Hensley. Surviving siblings include Dorothy (Lancaster), Howard, Louise (Hylla) and Helen (Polichetti). John Edward Hensley and Virginia (Feliciello) preceded Bob in death.Bob and Wanda both graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1947. He earned Bachelor of Science (1961) and Master of Science (1970) degrees in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He became a registered professional engineer in Oklahoma in 1965. In 1971, Bob attained a Master Mason of the 32nd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Bob was president of the Oklahoma Municipal Contractors Association and The American Society of Civil Engineers.Bob had a strong work ethic that began on the dairy farm with his brothers and sisters milking cows. His first job was starting single engine propeller prop planes at Brown Municipal Airport. He worked for Midwest Marble and Carthage Marble as a marble mason for over ten years. Bob also worked as a hydrologic engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers. He welcomed all three of his children into starting his new businesses of Arjay Engineering and Rangeline Field Services, which Bob owned for over three decades. He was a registered land surveyor, a professional civil engineer, a utility, grading, and paving contractor for over 30 years.He was raised and worked on the Hensley dairy farm in Osage County. Bob often professed to be just a shy young country boy. His tastes were simple but his life was grand. He loved the music of Patsy Cline, Jimmy Rogers, and Bob Wills. Bob and Wanda Square Danced for many years, and later in life they traveled all over the world, taking their children and grandchildren on many cruises. Bob enjoyed golf, fishing, and served as a Boy Scout Master leader.Not someone to second guess a decision or dwell in the past too long, he always looked to the future and did what was best for his family and friends. Bob loved Tulsa and Oklahoma. He lived the principles of Will Rogers that epitomized his outlook on life. Bob’s favorite quote of Will was, “I never met a man I didn’t like”. That was Bob Hensley’s life long creed. A man of integrity, he never judged another person, and always made them feel at home. Bob cherished his wife, his children, and grandchildren.Flowers may be sent to Floral Haven Funeral Home or donations in his name may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter at 2448 E. 81st St, Suite 3000, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74137 (918.392.5007).There will be a public visitation on Wednesday, March 11th from 4-6 p.m. at Floral Haven. The funeral will be held at Floral Haven Chapel in Broken Arrow on March 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.
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