Carson Burdette Hensley, 78, Minot, died Thursday, December 18, 2014, in a Minot nursing home.

Bert was born July 9, 1936, in Conehatta, Mississippi to Mid and Lena (Carson) Hensley. He was brought up in Newton County and completed his education at Conehatta High School in 1955.

Bert enlisted into the US Air Force on May 3, 1955 serving his country as a bomb navigations system technician. He was discharged after 20 years of honorable service on May 31, 1975 from Minot Air Force Base.

While stationed in Minot, Bert found the love of his life, Audrey Leathes. They were united in marriage on July 1, 1964 in Minot, where they would make their home. Carson went back to school at Minot State College following his military service. In March of 1970, he became a rural mail carrier in Burlington, ND, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.

Bert attended Peace Lutheran Church in Burlington and was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Elk's, Eagles Aerie, and Moose Lodge all of Minot. He also was part of the Postal Carriers Union.

He found enjoyment in fishing and golfing but also took the time to do some reading, bowling, or playing bingo. Bert will be missed but will remain a staple of our cherished memories for years to come.

Carson is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Audrey, Minot, children, Shelley (Wayne) Semrau, Minot and Mark (Becky) Hensley, Pelican Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Lindsey Copley and JJ, and Jason (Tara) Copley; four great grandchildren; sisters, Helen Brown, Carthridge, MS, Tommie (Doyle) Seal, Shreveport, LA, Midy (William) Holt, Tuscaloosa, AL, Amy (James) Roebuck, Jackson, MS and Elizabeth Craven, Collinsville, MS; sister-in-laws, Pat Vannett (Jim Everson), Sandy (Don) Dormanen; brother-in-law, Sam (Mavis) Leathes and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carson was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Susie Hill and Mary McCulloch; mother and father-in-law Perry and Grace Leathes and brother-in-laws Howard Leathes and James Craven.

Celebration of Carson's Life: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Peace Lutheran Church, Burlington, ND

Interment: Burlington Community Cemetery, Burlington, ND, spring 2015.

Visitation: Monday, December, 22, 2014 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.