John passed away on Wed. September 18, 2024 in Fort Collins, CO. He was born July 13, 1933, in Norton, VA to Ralpha and William Hensley. When he was 3 months old, he was put on a pillow on the back seat of the car and the family headed west to Denver. John grew up in Denver and attended North High School. There, he met his 3 best friends: Buck Buchanan, John Keiser, and Dick Ramus. They called themselves the BBI, Bad Boys Incorporated and remained friends for the rest of their lives. In 1940, his mother married Raymond Ulery who served in the Army during WWII.
In high school, John enjoyed sports: baseball, basketball, and track. He won his “Letter jacket” which he still had. While still in high school, John joined the Denver National Guard 138th Air Control and Warning Squadron. After training, his squadron was federalized, and he was told to report to AC&W Squadron. He completed administrative requirements in 45 days and was deployed to Rapid City, SD where he trained in teletype and radio operations.
John continued his military career in the USAF and was assigned to James Connally AFB in Waco, TX. John always loved flying and flew T34 Beechcraft and T28 Trojan aircraft. He found his Strategic Air Command experience to be “challenging and wonderful.” His next assignment was to 2nd AREFS, Hunter AFB, Savannah. GA.
There he met the first love of his life, Margaret Peg Dougher, daughter of General Charles B. Dougher, Commander of the 38th Air Division, and his future father-in-law. Margaret and John were married in 1956 and eventually had two children: Brad and Lisa.
John had many other assignments flying B47s out of Brise Norton Air Base in Central England. While assigned to 3575th Pilot Training Squadron, Enid, OK, he earned his BA in Science and Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma. He was a life-long learner. He eventually obtained an MA in Public Administration. His USAF assignments took him all over the world: Europe, North Africa, Far East (Vietnam War). His training included: radio operator; navigator/bombardier and pilot. He also flew KC-97 (4 engine) B-47 and KC-135 (jet engine). He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command while stationed in Austin, TX.
When John retired, the family moved to Fort Collins, CO. They bought 5 acres on Moffett Dr. and had chickens, horses, etc. John started work at Loveland Water and Wastewater Engineering. He served as a trainer and active-duty officer in the Civil Air Patrol. In 1981, John took a position as the Larimer County Emergency Manager.
In 1982, he moved to Alaska with his 2nd wife, Sherry and her two daughters, Sonya and Sandra. He had accepted a position with the Alaska Division of Emergency Services as the Emergency Manager for Radiological Defense for the State of Alaska. He dealt with the Chernobyl Crisis. His job took him all over the state. He said it was the “Most fun I ever had working.” After he and Sherry divorced, John continued to be a father to the girls.
John attended a Christian bible study as a child but does not recall any denomination. While in Colorado with John’s first wife, Peg and children, he attended the Unitarian Church regularly. John recalls attending First United Methodist Church in Wasilla, Alaska with his 2nd wife Sherry and his stepdaughters. John and Lee met in Alaska and were married at that church on September 12, 1992.
After John retired from the state of Alaska, he and Lee drove a motorhome from Wasilla to Santa Barbara. There he continued with the other love of his life, flying. John and son Brad started restoring airplanes. First was a 1946 Stinson, then they restored 2 Navions. He sold the Stinson and eventually purchased a part ownership in a T-28 Mustang. Upon return to Colorado in 1994, he and Lee enjoyed flying all over in the planes as well as traveling in their motorhome. They attended the First Presbyterian Church every Sunday and then later at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. John described his appreciation for each church he and his family attended with a sense that each church brought enriching teachings. “It was all excruciating and wonderful!”
John described his approach to parenting as focused on comradery and dependability. He valued not only being a consistent guide as a father, but also being someone his children could rely on, be understood by, and be open with. He felt he learned these qualities of fathering from his stepfather and uncle as well as through his military training that focused on values of service, duty, community, and devotion.
When John reflected on his retirement years, he enjoyed reviewing his rich life experiences: ROTC in high school; adventures in the Air National Guard; service in the United States Air Force; his first home on five acres in Fort Collins; his life-long activities with the aviation culture; his community service in Alaska; his return to Fort Collins the second time around; and to current graces of living with loving Lee, his wife. He describes his life as a unique one, rich in military history and values, as well as many memories of world travels. Throughout his life he deeply appreciated the golden thread of strong, loving, family ties as one of his greatest gifts and contributions.
John is survived by his wife, Lee, son Brad Hensley, and daughters: Lisa Hensley-Lenchner, Sonya Coughlin, and Sandy Kreger as well as his 14 grandchildren. Grandchildren: Colin Hensley, Rachel, Audrey, and Sarah Lenchner; Leslie, Erik, Katelyn, and Christopher Kreger: Emily, Madeline, Ben, Grace, and Jack Coughlin; and Lee’s sons Richard and Reid M. Stratton and grandson Reid J. Stratton.
Funeral services at to be held Saturday, October 5,2024 at 10:00 AM the First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation: t2t.org/donate
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