Obituary of Bill Henslee

Bill Henslee of Lodi passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the age of 82. He died at Lodi Memorial Hospital lovingly surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Hobart Oklahoma on June 1, 1930 to Joseph and Rella Henslee. He served in the United States Navy. He is survived by his children Gary (LaDonna) Henslee of Clio, CA, Sharon (Rick) Sanders of Lodi, Kathy Webster of Sacramento, 15 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 11/2 great-great grandchildren, sisters, Irene Karimi, Joanne Reel and Pat (Paul) Cary, all of Fontana, CA, as well as brothers, Joe (Marie) Henslee of Sparks, NV, Jim (Mona) Henslee of Delhi, CA and Paul (Rosie) Henslee of Grass Valley, CA and numerous others. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, LaVeta Sue Henslee, son, Larry Henslee, parents, Joseph and Rella Henslee, brothers, Bob and Jay; sisters, Alma, Thelma, Velma, Juanita, Selma, Chris, and Callie . While living in Lodi, he attended Church of Christ, where he was active in the Joy Bus, writing stories and poetry and using his handyman skills around the church building and mechanic skills working on the Joy Bus engine. In his earlier years, Bill was in the grocery management business in Southern California while in Lodi he worked as a mechanic and tow truck driver for Geweke Ford, owned and operated Cool It Radiator Service, worked as a handyman and landscaper and was in real estate. Bill enjoyed being with his family, fixing things, woodwork, stained glass, helping others and had a green thumb with his wonderful vegetable gardens which he enjoyed sharing with his family straight off the vine. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others and always having a story to tell. He will be missed by all who loved him and will remain in our hearts forever. Military Honors will be rendered at Lodi Memorial Cemetery at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 20 followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 600 S. Ham Lane, Lodi, CA.