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Redwood High School

FUNERAL HOME

Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel - Visalia

127 East Caldwell Avenue

Visalia, California

Kenneth Hensley Obituary

Kenneth Joshua Hensley Navy Chief Petty Officer Our Hero, Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Joshua Hensley, 39, of Oak Harbor departed this world to join his lord and savior on September 17th 2013. Kenny was born on June 22nd 1974 in Visalia, CA to Marilyn and Ken Hensley. He grew up in Visalia and graduated from Redwood High School in 1992. From the time Kenny was little he always knew that he wanted to join the military. He enlisted in the Navy while still in high school. Kenny began his naval career shortly after graduation. While stationed in Virginia Kenny met Paula, the woman who captured his heart forever. After they married, Kenny and Paula traveled the world for the next 20 years with each new order that was given. Kenny was very well known for his kind heart and joyful spirit. He was the light in any room. Kenny wanted to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of the sailors under his command. Among Kenny's many achievements are The Enlisted Aviation Warfare Insignia and The Enlisted Surface Warfare Insignia. He was also awarded The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (7 awards) as well as being nominated for Sailor of the Year in 2011. Kenny was a member of The American Legion as well as a Third Degree Mason. Kenny was preceded in death by his father Ken Hensley. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Paula Hensley, mother and stepfather Marilyn and Richard Simmons, Brother Jason Hensley and his wife Renee, Sister Lisa Wheelock and her husband Jeff, Mother and Father in-law Joy and Pat Scott, Sister in law Patricia Scott-Hill, Sister and Brother In-law Roberta and Christopher Hughes, nieces Jessica and Samantha Wheelock, Katelynn Hill and Samantha Hughes, nephews Brandon, Nicolas, and Matthew Hensley, Seth Wheelock, Matthew Hill and Thomas Hughes, Grandparents Betty and Marvin Roberts. As well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who all loved him dearly. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 1 PM at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Private burial. Condolences may be e-mailed to [email protected]

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Published by Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Hensley

Sponsored by Russell Parton.

30 Entries

Sheryl

September 19, 2024

I still miss you, kenny! You will never be forgotten.

Sheryl

May 25, 2020

I am in the military because of you and Paula. When I was lost and didn't know what to do, through your patience and guidance, I found my place in this world. You and Paula took me in when I had nowhere to go. You helped me study for my ASVAB. Thinking about you brings joy and sorrow. I cherish the times i've spent with you and I regret that I didn't get to see you before I left for deployment that year. Had I known ahead of time, I would have never left. The terrible news I received of the passing of my kind, loving, supportive, and gentle friend. For 7 years, I denied that you're really gone. This year, I will grieve for you. You never left my mind and the memories we all shared, no matter how short, always be in my heart. I love you, Kenny. Thank you for being the truest, kindest, and gentlest soul this world has ever had. The world has never been the same since you left.
-Sheryl

Derek Macy

March 26, 2020

I knew Kenny while I was in the Navy. We served together as calibration technicians on the USS Enterprise in Norfolk, VA from 1997 to 2000. I tried to google him and search through facebook today to reconnect with an old friend. I can't believe he passed. He was a really good friend and made the day to day grind more bearable with his off-the-wall antics....you just couldn't help but laugh or smile when Kenny was around. The world has lost a truly good person. Sorry to hear the news Paula. R.I.P

Bahrain

Bejay Kea

April 27, 2019

You always ask me how I was doing and always had advice to give me from personal to professional that help me get through my time while we were stationed together in Misawa Japan and on CVN74 we all miss you.

January 21, 2019

i Love You

December 31, 2016

I'm at the start of another lonely year without you.
I miss you, and I still love you with all of my heart and soul. thank you for being such a cherished and wonderful part of my life.
Your Adoring Wife
Paula

September 6, 2016

I Love You My Darling. Always have, always will.
Your Adoring Wife
Paula

Athena Ogden

September 16, 2015

He was such a wonderful person. He always brought a smile to my face even through my darkest times. It pains me to know that now the world is missing out on your friendly personality and cheerful demeanor.

July 4, 2015

I am still in Love with you
Your adoring wife
paul

Your Sister <3

May 28, 2014

Memorial Day will always have a different meaning to us now. Our lives will never be the same. I miss you every day with every ounce of my soul. Though this holiday was especially hard, it was a joyous feeling to be able to honor you for the sacrifices that you gave for your country. The countless days, weeks, and months you were away from your amazing wife. Love and miss you Kenuto!!!!

No other Memorial Day has meant so much... you are truly the reason for the day.

May 28, 2014

Your bright spirit shining through <3

May 28, 2014

May 26, 2014

i Love you darling
your adoring wife
paula

What a great son

Marilyn Simmons

April 19, 2014

Kenny, you were the best son in this world. You were our hero. It is Easter now, I planted a tree in backyard and call it my Kenny tree. You are so missed there will never be another Kenneth Joshua Hensley. Mom

Charlie Trowbridge

February 13, 2014

So deeply sorry to hear this news. Years ago in Virginia Beach, I worked with Kenny's wife Paula and they were dear friends of mine, who were deeply in love with each other... a great newlywed couple, embarking on life's adventures.

My most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Hensley and Scott families.

January 12, 2014

thank you everyone for writing about my wonderful incredible husband
i make it day today here in texas surounded by family and friends
God bless and take care
paula hensley

Russell Parton

September 29, 2013

Marilyn, you and your Family will be in our prayers.
Russell Parton, Chickasha OK

Misty Lindsey

September 27, 2013

Love u always.

Bill andLinda Stine

September 27, 2013

Kenny was our son Jason Stine's childhood best friend. He was a part of our family and we are very proud of his life accomplishments. Our hearts are saddened by his sudden passing. I know that he is with his savior and is at peace. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers for comfort. Kenny will always be a light in our hearts and our memories of him.

AOC (AW/SW) Nathan Knopp

September 26, 2013

I remember Ken during my time on the USS John C. Stennis. He was probably the most professional and friendly guy I have ever known. I think I will always remember his sense of humor and that smile, His willingness to take time out of his busy schedule to mentor the junior sailors. While I didn't work directly with you Ken I remember seeing you at the PC meetings. Your loss is truly felt across the Navy in all communities and in this case on the other side of the world. The Navy and the world are a lesser place without you in it but I am glad to have known you brother.... God bless you and keep you....

USS Nimitz on deployment in the Red Sea

Donald Johnson, EM1(SS) USN Retired

September 26, 2013

I don't think I had the pleasure of knowing Shipmate Hensley, and that is my loss. We mourn his passing, and pray God's healing Grace flow over all who knew him. For all of you whose lives he touched, you carry a part of him with you forever - in your hearts and in your memories. Remember - always remember. And look forward to the day we are all reunited, when we transfer to the Staff of the Supreme Commander.

Am. Legion Post 18 / FRA Branch 261 Chaplain sends.

AZC Jake Stonebraker

September 26, 2013

It has been an honor knowing you not only as a shipmate onboard USS John C. Stennis but knowing you as a friend. We have shared so many stories together either during deployment or on our duty days but the most I will remember and miss about you is your infectious smile, your kindness, your demeanor, and most important of all how you treated your Sailors that are under you. I thank God for knowing such a great person of your caliber and I know he is with you now. Thank you for your friendship and brotherhood. May you Rest In Peace and in Gods presence and glory.

AT2(AW/SW) Ashley Harradon

September 26, 2013

Kenny dear friend and LPO on the J.C.Stennis you have touched many hearts of several junior sailors and even senior sailors. You will always be remembered as the one who would give a mile to everyone but would only tale an inch for yourself. You always kept the junior sailors in check. Thank you for being the LPO you were as well as someone that was able to be easily talked you.

AT1(ret.) David Durbin

September 26, 2013

I first met Kenny when I was his instructor at Advanced Calibration School in Biloxi, MS in 2006. I later had the pleasure of serving with him aboard the USS John C. Stennis. He was always a great friend and co-worker. When I retired from the Navy in 2010 I asked him to sponsor my retirement ceremony to which of course, he agreed. He helped make a special day for me even better. I will never forget you shipmate, you touched my life and I am better for it.

Amy Noregaard

September 26, 2013

We heard about this amazing young man all the way in Texas. We are praying for your family because you ARE family. Stay strong.

Tamara & Dusty Noregaard
Amy & Mike Stilwell

Kristal Goodwin

September 25, 2013

Missing someone is your hearts way of reminding you that you love them. You will be greatly missed and forever loved, my amazing friend.

Gary Walker

September 25, 2013

I did not know this young man, but have known his dad since he was small. I was also very close to his grandparents, Ken and Betty, both of whom I loved and played a lot of Gospel music, starting many years ago. I miss his grandfather and the times we had. This is so sad.

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