Richard D. Hensley

Richard Douglas Hensley

1952 – 2025

ROCKFORD, IL – Richard Douglas Hensley, 73, passed away at his home in Rockford, Illinois, on December 21, 2025. Born on January 16, 1952, to Lee Roy and Anne White Hensley, Richard was a man who enjoyed flying, computers, and was known for never staying in the same place for too long.

A veteran of the United States Army, Richard served as an Aviation Warrant Officer. He was a highly skilled pilot of both UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-1 Huey helicopters. His service included deployment to Southwest Asia from February to September 1991 in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. A highlight of his decorated career included a personal meeting and handshake with General Norman Schwarzkopf while stationed in the theater of operations. During his military service, he earned several commendations, including the Army Aviator Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was also recognized as a Sharpshooter with both the M-16 rifle and .38 caliber pistol.

He is survived by his two daughters and their families:

• Leah (Hensley) Woodham and her husband, Matthew Woodham, of Niceville, FL; and their three children: Madeleine, Sebastian, and Evelyn Woodham.

• Andrea Kate Hensley of Rock Island, IL; and her six children: Aubrey Carr, Ashlynn Hensley-Gay, Fredrick Gay Jr., and triplets Tevin, Kameron, and Kershaun Gay.

• His four great-grandchildren: Brailee Carr, Ella Walker, Jordan Anderson, and Jaydan Anderson.

• His brother, Jeffrey Marshall Hensley, and his sister, Dorothy Gayle Grier.

• Many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents of 53 years, Lee Roy Hensley and Anne White Hensley; his sisters, Rebecca Lynn Hensley and Sharon Lee Hensley; and his nephew, Eli James Conley.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to @TheHensleyFamily (Venmo) to help offset funeral expenses, or to a veteran support organization of your choice in Richard’s name. Services will be held privately, with interment at Rock Island National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal.

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