Louis S. Hensley, Jr.
December 21, 1926 ~ November 2, 2012
Louis S. Hensley, Jr. 85, passed away on November 2, 2012. Lou was the son of Louis S. Hensley and Dorothea Reissner Hensley and was born in Indianapolis. He was a Senior Vice President, Wealth Manager and Municipal Bond Consultant for many Wall Street firms for over 50 years. He was a graduate of Shortridge High School and Indiana University School of Business where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a varsity letterman in football and basketball at Shortridge High School, Junior Class Treasurer and Giftorian. At Indiana University, Lou was a varsity letterman in tennis.
During his professional career, Lou was a member of the Federal Legislative Committee for Public Securities and a member of the Municipal Committee for the Investment Bankers Association of America. He was also instrumental in the municipal bond financing of the former Hoosier Dome when the Colts came to town. Lou managed and participated in many municipal bond issues of schools, universities, water and sewer projects throughout the state of Indiana. He was senior underwriter for and brought public the College Life Insurance Co. and Indiana Insurance Co.
Lou was also active civically and served as president of The William E. English Foundation, Indianapolis Stock and Bond Club, Flanner House, Happy Hollow Children’s Camp, the Central Indiana Better Business Bureau and the Board of Deacons of Second Presbyterian Church.
He served as secretary, vice president and president of The Columbia Club.
Vice president of the Indianapolis Parks Foundation.
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.
Chairman of the Board of the Indianapolis Foundation, the Athenaeum Foundation and the Indianapolis Indians.
Lou was a Trustee of the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, the St. Vincent Hospice Advisory Committee, the National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Police Athletic League, Indiana Crime Prevention Coalition, United States Table Tennis Foundation and the Indiana Amateur Baseball Association.
He served as Director of the Friends of White River, Kingfishers Club and the Board of Fundamental Education.
Lou was a member of the Washington Township School Foundation, Sigma Chi Foundation – Rho Chapter at Butler University, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, United Way of Indianapolis, United States Clay Court Tennis Championships Committee, Catherine Peachy Cancer Fund and the St. Vincent Hope Lodge.
The awards he was most proud of included: 1974 Hoosier Sigma Chi of the Year, 1991 Indianapolis Stock and Bond Club Member of the Year, 1996 Life Achievement Award from the American Heart Association, 2004 Columbian of the Year from the Columbia Club and 2006 Significant Sig Award from the Sigma Chi National Fraternity.
At the time of his death, Lou’s memberships included: Sigma Chi Fraternity, The Columbia Club, Emeritus Director of the Columbia Club Foundation, 702 Club, Woodstock Club, Meridian Hills Country Club, Second Presbyterian Church, Indiana University Alumni Association, The “I” Men’s Club at Indiana University, The Hundred Club of Indianapolis, St. Vincent Hospital Seton Society, Life member of Friends of the St. Vincent Foundation, Heritage Circle Society and The Riley Society. He was also listed in Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who in Finance and Industry.
He was the widower of Anne Collett Hensley and is survived by his three children, Louis S. Hensley III, Linda Hamilton Hensley and R. Jefferson Hensley, four grandchildren; Scott, Jordan, Seth and Sam Hensley; sister; Charlotte (Deeda) Skiles and three nephews; Steve, Rick and Bruce Skiles. He will be missed and remembered. He is at peace – gone fish’in.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Happy Hollow Children’s Camp, 615 N. Alabama St. Indianapolis, IN 46204.
On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.carlislebranson.com
In accordance with Lou’s wishes, a private service will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday, November 9th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Woodstock Club, 1301 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis.
Thank you to his many friends, colleagues, tennis and fishing buddies for your friendship, love and support over the years.
Special thanks to Dr. Matt Priddy and Dr. S. Craig Veatch and their staff.
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Lou III, Linda, Jeff and family, Your father was a long time friend going back to Shortridge years, I.U. and Sigma Chi. I valued his friendship over these many years. I will miss him greatly. Louis was a good man and a force for good. He has gone home and is at peace. Jack and Marcia Brown
My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Lou and Jeff. He was in many ways a good man with a heart of gold for his family.
Terry,Linda and Jeff, My condolences on the passing of your father. His unique contribution to all that he touched was remarkable.His vision and determination made Indianapolis a much better place to live. His unique personna gave us all a perspective on what it was like to lead a purpose driven life, He could be difficult, he could be delightful, but he was never boring. His type doesn’t pass this way often. We were all luckier for having Lou in our lives. Lou, you’ve run your race. You led all the way and finished spectacularly. Enjoy your rewards. You’ve earned them! Rest in Peace Ol’ Buddy, Bob Shallenberger ‘SLIVER’
Jeff and Family, I am sorry for the loss of your father who I know played an important role in your life. May God Bless you and your family during this tough time in your lives. Please know you will be in Cathey and I prayers. Brian And Cathey Vaughan
Lou, My condolences go out to you and your family for the passing of your father. I did not know him personally but from what I have read of his accomplishments he was a wonderful person. Your friend, Tom Grant
Jeff, and Jordan, Seth,& Sam, Our condolences to you and your relatives on the passing of your father and grandfather Lou. I first met him years ago when I edited the Columbian Magazine at the Columbia Club, and I know Jim worked with Anne on some community boards. We have watched you youngsters grow at Bethlehem, and alway enjoy seeing you, Jeff. I recall you took care of my mother’s service at Redeemer Church a number of years ago. Peace be with you all. Sue & Jim Hetherington
Hensley Family Lou was special to me, and I will truly miss him. He was my ‘Red Bird’ buddy at heart. Carolyn Lyke
Please accept my condolences with regard to your father’s recent passing. My first meeting with your dad was back in the early 80’s. I was introduced to him by my friend Russ Townsend, at a roundtable luncheon at the Columbia Club. I was impressed by your dad as well as the others at the luncheon including Harry Ice and Dwight Peterson. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Bob Scott
To the family, I was fraternity brother of Lou and admired hijm greatly. I am sorry for your loss. Robert L. . Rock
Our condolences to Lou’s Family. I served on the Athenaeum Foundation Board with Lou and enjoyed our conversations about German heritage, fishing and finance.
Your Dad was truly an original. I’m glad I had the opportunity to know him. I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to you Linda, Lou and Jeff during this time of loss.
Jeff…our condolences on the loss of your dad… Jim and Sally Shockey
Remembering my Uncle Louie and thinking about Linda & Lou & Jeff. He had a heckuva run! Love you guys.
Our sympathies go out to Louie’s family. He is remembered fondly from his college days at I.U. and fraternity get togethers over the years. Phil and Glo Buecher, Jasper, In.
I am sharing photograph of Mr. Hensley taken by my dad on one of their many trips to Canada. My condolences to the family. Chip Clark