David Earl Henslee

Mr. David Earl Henslee, 76, affectionately known as “Poppa” by family and many friends, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Visitation for Mr. Henslee will be held at Riser Funeral Home, Columbia, LA, on Monday, May 19, 2025, from the hours of 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Services, celebrating the life of Mr. Henslee will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 1:00 P.M at Bethany Baptist Church in the Hebert community. Visitation will resume that morning at 11:00 until the beginning of the services. Interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery. Those presiding over the services will be Bro. Brian Rankin and Bro. Doyle Adams.

Mr. Henslee was preceded in death by his beloved parents; Wallace Gordon Henslee and Helen Jean Smith Henslee and his In-Laws, R.B. "Buddy" and Lucille Norton Russell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Rose "Ginger" Russell Henslee; Daughter, Eva Marie Henslee Schulte; Grandson, Maddox David Schulte; Sister, Carlene Henslee Stinson (Steve), a host of nieces and nephews, as well as his chosen grandchildren, Matthew, Madi, and Mason Schulte, along with many others.

The life of David Earl Henslee was one well lived! Even though he faced a debilitating disease in his latter years, you never heard him complain, or feeling sorry for himself. He still managed to live life to the fullest. He was a God fearing man, with great wisdom, and love of God and family. Those that attended church with him at Bethany Baptist can attest to the fact that he would often go to the alter and pray. Looking back at the life of David, he was born on October 20, 1948 in Gilbert, La, he graduated from Sicily Island High School and embarked on college for several years. Then he met and married the love of his life, Ginger. David’s first job was as an electrician with Howard Brothers but it was some years later he embarked on a totally different career path as a Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. This suited him so well, as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. But he respected the laws of it and he was passionate about his job. When daughter, Eva was born, it wasn’t long and he was sharing his passion with her. They spent a many an hour in the deer stand together. After grandson Maddox was born, David gained the title Poppa, the name he was proudest of. Poppa loved teaching Maddox all about the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He loved going to his shooting competitions or watching him at his football and baseball games. You can bet, he was right there cheering him on whenever he was able! When not at one of these adventures, David loved to be in his shop and could tinker and fix just about anything he set his mind to. Maddox learned a lot from his Poppa during these “shop times”. Needless to say David’s love of his family was what kept him going. You couldn’t stop him. What a legacy he leaves behind. He is going to be so missed by all who knew and loved him.

Serving as pallbearers will be Maddox David Schulte, Michael White, Reginald Wycoff, Gary Watts, Bill Jones and Elbert Rachal.