Robert "Bob" Othell Hensley

Robert Othell Hensley 

1930 - 2026

 With saddened hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, Robert “Bob” Othell Hensley on August 9, 2026, at the age of 96. He resided in Moriarty, NM. He was born in Parsons, Tennessee on March 14,1930, to Earnest Harrison Hensley and Mary Albertha “Bertha” (Hill). Two sons were born to the couple. After residing in Tennessee until 1936, due to his father’s illness with tuberculosis they moved to New Mexico for a drier climate. During the relocation trip, they stopped to visit relatives located north of Edgewood, NM. The ranch/farm owned by the relatives offered employment to the couple. Robert Othell attended school in Edgewood and Stanley. Sadly, Earnest passed away before Othell finished high school. After graduating from Stanley High School in 1948, Othell continued farming on the land his father had leased. Seasoned farmers of the area advised that it wouldn’t be a good year for crops but Othell planted anyway. After the harvest he proudly recalled, “I did quite well.” In 1951, he was drafted by the United States Army during the Korean War and completed his basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. But there was a girl back home whom he returned to marry. On August 30,1951 he was united in marriage to Nella Mae Farmer of Barton, NM. Othell and Nella resided in Killeen, Texas until the birth of their first child. He was then ordered to active duty for one year, but only served six months before military action stopped. In 1953, the signing of the Armistice established the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. After being discharged from the Army, he returned to farming and decided, “This isn’t for me.” In his professional career, he worked as a service man for King’s Butane Company and EMW Gas Association, and later accepted the position of manager for King’s Butane. Upon retirement in 1998, he received a 40 year service award from King’s Butane Company. After retiring, he was devoted to caring for his aging mother and beloved wife. Othell and Nella shared 49 years of marriage before her passing in August, 2000. Othell remained in the home relishing his close-knit family. His family shared many happy times at holidays, the marriages of his grandchildren and births of great grandchildren. He had many good friends in the community who joined with him in those happy times. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Anderson, husband Ellan of Moriarty. Karen Ford, husband Jim of Estancia. Grandchildren: Peter Ford, wife Dixie of Moriarty and Julie Chappell, husband Clarence of Edgewood, Stephanie Smith, husband Gordon of Rossville, IN; Chrystal Copeland, husband Jeff of Highlands Ranch, CO; Jonathan Anderson of Albuquerque. Great grandchildren: Maria Anderson (Michael) of Santa Fe; Bram Copeland of FortCollins, CO and Taylor Copeland of Pierce, CO; Edward Ford of Lovington, NM; Nella, Isaiah, Elijah and Clara Smith of Rossville, IN; Micaela Anderson of Albuquerque. Othell is also survived by his cousin (who was raised as a sister) Jo Ann Willison of Grand Junction, CO and dear lady friend, Nancy Measaw of Edgewood; many nephews, nieces and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Bertha Hensley; his beloved wife, Nella. His son, William “Bill/Bear” Harrison Hensley and brother, George “Junior” Hensley. Nearly 90 years after a 6 year old boy arrived in New Mexico with his family looking for a place to begin again, it remained the place Othell called home for the rest of his life. He did quite well. Viewing: 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2026, @ the Hensley home, Moriarty, NM. Memorial Service: 10:00 AM, Friday, August 21, 2026 @ Harris-Hanlon Mortuary Chapel, 807 US Route 66, Moriarty, NM.