CAULFIELD, MO — The Caulfield community and all who knew him are mourning the loss of Andrew James “AJ” Sungila Hensley, 19, who passed away at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Springfield. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Bakersfield High School gym, honoring the life and legacy of a young man who touched so many hearts.
Born March 21, 2006, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jeremiah and Keeoma Walker Hensley, AJ grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and a sense of adventure that defined his character. From an early age, he was known for his kind heart, dependability, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends.
AJ’s passions were varied and vibrant. He loved reading, exploring new worlds through books, and he delighted in cooking, hunting, camping, and fishing alongside his Papaw. He enjoyed spending time with his closest friends, riding around and making memories that would last a lifetime. Music was a central part of his life — he loved playing guitar, listening to music, and sharing these moments with those around him. AJ was also athletically gifted, taking part in baseball and basketball, where his teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship were admired by peers and coaches alike.
Beyond his personal hobbies, AJ was deeply committed to giving back. He was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity at MSU Springfield, where he embodied the fraternity’s values of love, charity, and esteem through philanthropy, service initiatives, and community engagement. His friends and fraternity brothers remember him as loyal, forgiving, and generous with his time, always making space for those who needed him.
AJ shared a special bond with his family, especially his brother Gavin, and was a devoted son to Jeremiah and Keeoma Hensley. He is also survived by his sister, Makayla Hensley, his grandparents Larry Joe and Rosalea Hensley of Caulfield; Herb Walker of Torrington, Wyoming; and Monte and Ilona Anderson of Lyman, Nebraska; and his extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and many cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Myrtle Hensley and his great-grandparents George and Agnes Rouse, whose legacy lives on through him.
AJ’s life, though tragically brief, was filled with love, joy, and a profound impact on all who knew him. His spirit, kindness, and zest for life will be remembered and cherished by his family, friends, and community.
A heartfelt remembrance of Andrew James “AJ” Sungila Hensley will also be published in the October 29, 2025, edition of the Ozark County Times.
