Jerry Coleman Hensley

Jerry was born in Canute, Oklahoma on September 2,1936 during the Dust Bowl era. In 1938, the family was part of the great migration from the affected Midwest states to California. He spent some time in his youth in San Diego, CA but the family eventually settled in Oregon in 1947. Following the death of his mother during childbirth when he was just 17 years old, he joined the army in 1953. He loved to share tales from his time in Augsburg, Germany while stationed there. However, most of his service was spent at Fort Ord, CA as a cook and weapons instructor.

After he left the Army in 1958, he rejoined his family who had moved back to the El Cajon/Lakeside area. Shortly thereafter, he was working in Allied Gardens when he met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Gaylord. They were married in 1959 and enjoyed more than 65 years of marriage living in San Diego County. They were blessed with children and raised a family mostly in the community of Crest in El Cajon. His family members realize that they were his greatest source of joy and pride.

He spent many years as a mechanic in the automotive industry in various capacities, owned a trucking business, and eventually spent the last 20 working years at Caltrans as a Heavy-Duty Mechanic supervisor.

He was very involved with automotive racing scene at El Cajon Speedway in the early to mid 1960s and had many fond memories as a driver and car owner. He was also an avid bowler at El Cajon Bowl and Parkway Bowl for many years in various leagues and really enjoyed the fellowship that he had established with other bowlers. He loved watching sports on television, and it could be difficult for him to choose between NASCAR races, Pro Bowlers tour, Padre baseball, Chargers football and PGA/LPGA golf tournaments on Sundays. In addition, he loved camping, and after retirement, he and Sue enjoyed traveling in their RV to various places.

He is survived by loving wife, Susan Hensley, his children Linda Zumwalt, Michael Hensley (Lynn), Beverly Stum (Marc), Barbara Taylor (Steve). Grandchildren Jennifer Lin, Carly McDonald, Olivia Snedeker (Dylen), Kelly McDonald, Maya Taylor, Rachel Strong (Jake), and Jennifer Boucher (John). Great grandchildren Taylor Cooper and Beckett Snedeker.

Siblings Reba Hemphill (Lonnie-dec.), Fran Ryan (Chuck), Richard Hensley (Susan), Victor Hensley (Becky), Tom Hensley (Beth-dec.), and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by parents Albert Jerry Hensley and Alice Reba Hensley as well as daughter Sharon Eileen Hensley.

Donations can be made in his name to the American Lung Association.