Thomas C. Hensley (Santa Himself), age 86 years, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2025 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan with his beloved wife, Karen, by his side. a Tom was born in Biscoe, Arkansas to Floyd Charles Hensley and Mable Eugene Hensley (nee Roach) on April 6, 1939. He grew up with a strong work ethic and heart full of joy, traits he carried with him throughout his life. On June 12, 1987, Tom married the love of his life, Karen Rose Buettner at the White Tailed Deer Shelter at Lone Elk Park, Valley Park, MO.

His early life was spent in Arkansas, near Little Rock. One of his favorite memories was meeting General Douglas McArthur. As a youngster he sold newspapers, collected glass for refunds and did other odd jobs to help support his mother and brother. After the family moved to St. Louis he worked at an ammunition factory which later made mailboxes. Later he drove a security armored car until he was robbed while making a payroll delivery. He then chose what became his long-term, fulfilling career choice of driving a semi truck hauling automobiles. He drove millions of miles over the years and retired in 1999. After retirement he drove a bus for the Sullivan School District. In the summer he would drive a canoe rental bus. 

Tom always had the spirit of Santa Himself and starting in 1959 he would be at Soulard Market for the neighborhood kids. Anyone who ever met him would know, he was Santa Himself. He loved everyone and never spoke badly of anyone. In 1999, he moved to Woodland Lakes in Sullivan, MO. He made Santa appearances community and private events around the St. Louis/Sullivan areas.

Tom was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Bourbon, MO since 2000. He loved gospel music and although he was tone deaf, he would always sing along. He was never too tired to serve the church. 

Tom and Karen loved traveling and connecting with people. They were campground hosts for four years in Montana, Florida and New Jersey. Their lives were full adventures including traveling, cruising, white water rafting, parasailing and exploring Route 66 all the way to the Pacific Ocean. But, his favorite thing was talking to people, it was his true passion and he never met a stranger.

He had many hobbies and passions which included country music, flea markets and finding the best bargains. He collected Santa memorabilia and PEZ dispensers, and his love for peanut butter was legendary. Above all, he cherished the company of his family and friends, and his love for them was boundless. Tom is survived by his wife, Karen Hensley of the family home; Siblings: Steven Jones, Floyajean Dodrill, Juanita Fooshee, Charles Hensley and Carol Cumberland; Children: Alisa Nachefski (John) of St. Peters, MO, Tina Weber of Collinsville, IL and Jason Hensley (Dawn) of Bourbon, MO; Grandchildren: Jessica Hogbin (Daniel), Adam Terrell (Jennifer), April Welmon (Luke), Samantha Bloodworth, Kristyna Hensley (special friend Joshua Liebhart) and Jade Hensley; Great-grandchildren: Anastasia, Alexis, Logan, Paige, Hayden, Christian, Abigail; Many nieces, nephews cousins and one special brat. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mable Eugene and Floyd Charles Hensley and two special great-grandchildren, Colton and Alaina. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18, 2025 at the First Missionary Baptist Church, 355 Walnut St., Bourbon, MO. Family only visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Public visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Memorial service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service in the church basement. A private burial will be at Anthonies Mill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made directly to the family who will disperse it toward children’s activities. 

Cremation services were provided by St. Louis Cremation Services in St. Louis. Visit stlouiscremation.com to view Tom’s photo gallery.