GARY HENSLEY

1953 - 2024

GARY HENSLEY Gary Lynn Hensley, 70 went to his heavenly home on August 29, 2024. Gary was born on November 10, 1953 to Charles and Evelyn Lovett Hensley in Dodge City KS. He was raised on the family farm at Ford KS. He graduated from Ford High School in 1971 and then attended Dodge City Community. In 1973 he married Barbara Burns (divorced) and he became certified in HV/AC working in Wichita KS, lived in Durango CO from 1975 to 1979 until returning to the family farm to begin working with his father. He was a farmer and rancher for 30+ years. He hauled grain and cattle most of those working years. In 2008 he began working for Right Coop and then moved to Ness City KS to become the Crop Production Manager. He married Lori Riegel in 2009. They moved to Liberal KS in 2012. He worked for Hog Slat, Guymon OK, retiring in 2018. Gary had a wonderful relationship with Jesus. He rededicated his life in October 2018 and from that moment forward he knew his heavenly home would await him. Gary battled long term illness the last 6 years of his life. He survived liver cancer and was a liver transplant recipient in 2020. In 2023 he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure and began dialysis. Through all of these trying times Gary always had a very positive attitude. He never wanted anyone to know how sick he was and truly spent as much time as possible with family and friends. He loved to see the grandchildren grow and excel in their studies and sports, they were the lights of his life. One thing for sure was his love for the rodeo and PBR. He and Lori made several yearly trips to Las Vegas to see the PBR finals. During his hours of dialysis, he always watched the Cowboy Channel and enjoyed the 100 days of Rodeo each season. He also was an avid Denver Broncos fan, he just loved everything football! Gary is survived by his loving wife, Lori, of the home. Two sons: Colby (Holly) Hensley, Arlington TX, and Zach (Autumn) Hensley, Durant OK. Two step sons: Brady (Patty) Hood, Cypress TX and Bryce (Radona) Hood, Jenks OK. Grandchildren: Mason Hensley, Timber Hensley, Sage Hensley, Colt Hensley, Cade Hensley, AJ Hood, Addison Hood, Landon Hood, Aiden Hood and Grayson Hood. One brother Lyle Hensley and Tammy, Grove OK. Nephew Chuck (Wendy) Hensley. His brothers and sisters by marriage: Gary & Debbie Riegel, Sherry & Steve Miller, JR and Linda Riegel, Bart and Jana Riegel, and Jeff and Kay Riegel. Special cousins Bryan (Diane) Hensley, Craig (Linda) Nolder, and Anita (Bob) Carroll. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dallas Hensley. Viewing will be 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday September 3, 2024 at Miller Mortuary, 908 N Lincoln Ave. Liberal, KS. Funeral Service will be 10:00 am Wednesday September 4, 2024 at Trinity Faith Church, 2264 S Kansas Avenue, Liberal KS, Pastor Aaron Koehn presiding. Burial will be 2:30 pm at the Ford Cemetery, Ford KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to: Trinity Faith Church or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Kansas City KS in care of Miller Mortuary, PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-08266