Elmer Hensley, 94, of Harts, WV, entered into Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 7, 1930, at Harts, WV, the son of the late Rev. Stonewall and Fannie Hensley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Hensley; one daughter-in-law, Mary Hensley; three brothers, Ed, Gilbert, and Paul Hensley; and two sisters, Braskie McDonald and Sylvia Smith.

Elmer was a retired underground coal miner and a member of the U.M.W.A., but his most rewarding work was serving the Lord and his community as a minister. He truly had a servant’s heart and a love for people. In his later years, he spent his time supporting area churches with his friends, reminiscing with his family about his earlier days, watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and keeping his son Rick on his toes.

Those left to cherish his memory are two sons, Jerry Hensley and Kenny “Rick” (Tena) Hensley with whom he resided; two daughters, Betty (Faron) Proctor and Denise Jean Hensley; six granddaughters, Katrina (Danny) Drawbaugh and Melissa (Chris) White both of Chesapeake, VA, Whitney (Isaac) Eastwood and Morgan (Neil) Copeland both of Pinch, WV, and Jessica (Bo) Kennedy and Krista (Rocky) Mendez both of Chapmanville, WV; sixteen great-grandchildren, Ethan, Brandon, Jacob, Maddie, Parker, Austin, Gabby, Colton, Cooper, Creed, Carleigh, Audrey, Zack, Ella, Quinn, and Leo; one brother, Lowell (Joanne) Hensley; four sisters, Louise Workman, Gloria Parks, Elsie Wellman, and Sue (Bill) Maynard; special friends and neighbors, Kenny Tomblin and Maverick Adams; along with his caregivers, Margie and Grayling Mullins. Additionally, Elmer leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with a host of extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mullett and the staff at Boone Memorial Hospital for the excellent care and compassion shown to Elmer and his family during his stay, and a special thanks to Dignity Hospice in Chapmanville. His last days were spent with his closest loved ones, talking about the Lord and reminding us of how much he loved us and how proud he was of his family. Some of his last words were, “The Lord has been so good to me. I count it all joy.”

Services will be conducted Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evans Funeral Home Chapel at Chapmanville, WV, with Rev. Jimmy Carter officiating.

Burial will follow in the Hensley Cemetery at Buck Fork of Harts, WV. Pallbearers will be Bo Kennedy, Zack Belcher, Jacob Drawbaugh, Les Hensley, Caleb Hensley, and Kenny Tomblin.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Evans Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.