Donald Hensley Obituary

Donald Mack

Hensley Sr.

March 9, 1943

June 7, 2021



Donald Mack Hensley, Sr., 78, of Colorado Springs, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021. Donald was born in Bradley, Arkansas, on March 9, 1943, to Clayton and Adell Hensley.

Donald joined the US Army in 1961 whereupon he devoted 31 years to his country culminating in a distinguished career as both an enlisted man and officer, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Donald is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart medals. He also had assignments in Korea, Germany, and Panama along with various state-side assignments.

Donald loved his family and was especially proud of his two grandsons and one greatgranddaughter. Donald loved nature, doing crossword and sudoku puzzles, and traveling to see his family in Arkansas and Texas.

Donald met Peggy Knabe while stationed in Oklahoma and the two were wed in 1965. They traveled the world together courtesy of the US Army and had one child, Donald M. Hensley, Jr. Peggy passed away in 1998 after 33 years of a loving and blissful marriage. He met Sheryle Schilbe and they were married in 2003. Sheryle and Donald enjoyed scenic drives together and visiting both Sheryle's and Donald's families.

Donald is survived by his wife, Sheryle, of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his son, Donald Jr and his wife Kim, his grandson, Clayton and his wife Scarlett and their beautiful daughter Palmer, and his grandson, Jesse, all of whom reside in Texas. He is further survived by his sister, Billie Jean, his brother, Roger, both of whom live in Arkansas, and a sister, Patsy, who lives in Alabama, along with many nieces and nephews all of whom he loved and adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Adell Hensley, his brothers CH, Maurice, and Charles, and his sister Bernice.

Prior to his passing, Donald asked that in lieu of flowers anyone desiring to make a gift in his memory send a donation to the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Eudora, Arkansas, where his parents, brother Charles, and nephew, Roger Jr., are buried. The proceeds will go toward the building of a pavilion on the cemetery grounds. If desired, send donations to Mt. Carmel Cemetery, P.O. Box 164, Eudora, AR, 71640.

A memorial service will be held for Donald on Saturday June 19, 2021 at 1pm, located at The Road @ Chapel Hills 2025 Parliament Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920.