Danny Hensley

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Danny G. Hensley, 84, passed away at home on Thursday, May 28, 2026, surrounded by his family in Carthage, Missouri. Danny was born February 27, 1942, at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage to Jollie G. and Martha Mae (White) Hensley. He was actively involved in JROTC and FFA during high
school and graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1959. He owned National Livestock Commission Company at the Joplin Stockyards for many years. 

He was first elected Eastern District Commissioner in 1984 and later served as Jasper County Presiding Commissioner until 2002. Danny coached Little League baseball for more than 30 years. He and George Becker co-owned White Oak Auction Service for nearly 30 years. He was a proud patriot who loved hunting and was honored as Carthage Citizen of the Year. Danny was a member of Fairview Christian Church for more than 50 years. 

Danny was first united in marriage to Sheryl Anderson on June 4, 1964, in Miami, Oklahoma and she preceded him in death on March 23, 2023. 

Then he was united in marriage to Stephanie Cearnal on October 18, 1989, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; she survives. 

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie Hensley; his son, Brent Hensley (Karensue) of Joplin, Missouri; his daughter, Shelly Deruy (Kurt) of Joplin, Missouri; his son, Sean Johanson (Elizabeth), of Joplin, Missouri; one brother, Mike Hensley (Cindy) of Covington, Georgia; his aunt, Selba Hill (Bob) of Cartwright, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren, Kaleb Hensley, Noah Hensley, Jonah Hensley, Wyatt Hensley, Ali Nichols, Kennedy Deruy, Gunnar Johanson, Garren Johanson, Riley Johanson, Kaeden Morris, and Addison Bridges; seven great- grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jollie G. and Martha Mae Hensley; two brothers, Tommy Hensley and Johnnie Hensley; and his first wife, Sheryl McKelvy, and many family members and friends.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri. Ministers Boyce and John Mouton will officiate. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Interment will follow at Dudman Springs Cemetery, southeast of Carthage. 

Pallbearers will be Kaleb Hensley, Noah Hensley, Jonah Hensley, Wyatt Hensley, Gunnar Johanson, Garren Johanson, Gary Davidson, and Kaeden Morris. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.