SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 312
In Memory
of
Charles J. Hensley
WHEREAS, Memories of a life well lived remain to comfort
the family and friends of Charles J. Hensley of Hawkins, who
passed away on February 11, 2023, at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, Born in Sherman on November 25, 1937, to Gladys
and Dude Hensley, Charlie Hensley grew up with the companionship
of two siblings, Benny and Patricia; while in high school, he
struck up a friendship with the former Sonja Overbey, whom he
went on to marry on July 26, 1956; during the more than 65 years
they shared, they were blessed with two sons, Bud and David, as
well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, After serving as a member of the Texas Army
National Guard, Mr. Hensley began his career as a game warden
with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1962; he reported
to his first duty station in Corpus Christi, and his passion for
his work drove him to excel and climb the ranks within the
department; over the years, he earned promotions to Dallas
district supervisor in 1972 and Fort Worth regional director in
1975, and he was elevated to chief of staff in Austin in 1990; he
served as director of law enforcement from 1992 until his
retirement at the rank of colonel, following 34 years with the
agency; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hensley was a member of the Texas Game Warden
Association, the Game Warden Peace Officers Association, the
Iris Society of Austin, and the Hill Country Gardeners Club; a
man of faith, he was also an ordained Baptist deacon; he shared
his love of gardening and working on carpentry projects with his
wife, and he was fond of going on hunting trips with his friends;
through the years, he and his wife enjoyed hosting gatherings at
their home with game wardens, neighbors, and members of their
church congregation; and
WHEREAS, Charlie Hensley was an esteemed public servant, a
devoted family man, and a dear friend, and he will forever be
remembered with admiration and affection by those he leaves
behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Charles J. Hensley
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Sonja Hensley; to his sons, Bud Hensley and his wife,
Jeana, and David Hensley and his wife, Cathy; to his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; to his sister, Patricia;
and to all others who mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Charlie Hensley.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 15, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate