Ansel Franklin Henson
Ansel Franklin Henson son of the late Elsie Carty Henson and Oman Henson was born at Black, Missouri, on September 21, 1925. He was called to his Heavenly home on April 1, 2020, at the age of 94.
Ansel was a Veteran of the United States Army and he served in WWII. In 1948 after returning home from the war, Ansel was united in marriage to Dorothy Crays in Carlinville, Illinois and to this union two children were born. She preceded him in death in 1966. He later married Nancy Henterseher in Chatham, Illinois. They enjoyed life, hunting and fishing together for 32 years. She preceded him in death in 2002.
Ansel was a blacksmith in Illinois, Sangamon and nearby counties, while also working at Pillsbury Mill and retiring after 30 years, He then owned and managed Henson’s Country Cupboard on Pawnee Road for many years. Ansel always had a big garden and lately he has raised cattle on a small farm in Chatham, Illinois. He loved gospel and bluegrass music and watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball on TV.
In addition to his parents and both wives, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene Henson and Larry Henson.
Ansel is survived by one daughter, Angela Hill and husband Bob of Springfield, Illinois, one son, James Henson and wife Linda of Chatham, Illinois, four granddaughters, Christina Magoulias, Laura Heigert, Mandi Rogers and Stacy Workman, 10 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Norma Henson of Black, Missouri, Thelma Black of Farmington, Missouri, three brothers, Troy Henson of Farmington, Missouri, Harold Henson of Ironton, Missouri, Carter Henson of Black, Missouri, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ansel will be deeply missed by his family, and friends, he was loved by all.
A private graveside services was held at Carty Family Cemetery Thursday, April 9. Pastor Greg Freeman ministered to the family.
Arrangements were by McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri. A Memorial Service will be held later in the summer at Sugar Creek Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Black River Baptist Church (Food Pantry).
