Douglas Allen Hensley

Douglas Allen Hensley, 61, an icon of Marshalltown retail history best known for his trademark slogan, Come On In! passed away early Saturday morning, December 18th, at the Iowa River Hospice House with his wife and loving family at his side. Born January 15th, 1949 in Webster City, Iowa, Doug was the eldest child of Robert and Opal (Graham) Hensley. Upon graduating from Webster City High School in 1967, Doug enlisted in the United States Navy, serving three tours of duty as an aviation tech on the USS Coral Seas and the USS Midway. Already known by this point for his friendly, fun-loving demeanor, the young Doug made sure to give every pilot he worked with a Lifesaver candy before they took off a token of good luck that became, in a way, his first trademark. Following his honorable discharge as a petty officer third class, E4, in 1971, Doug married Theresa Price in Greenbay, Wisconsin, a nineteen-year union that produced two children: Kari Lyn and Matthew Douglas. It was also around this time that Doug first began what would become a successful lifelong career in the furniture business. He opened his first store (Florida Freight Sales) in Pembroke Pines, Florida, launching a second (Bi-Rite Furniture) soon afterwards. It was Marshalltown, however, where Doug ultimately chose to make his lasting mark and permanent home, opening Sit-n-Sleep Furniture and Sleep Shop in December of 1994, as well as marrying his second wife, Anita Bryant, in July of 1995, and embracing the role of loving stepfather to her two daughters, Angela and Carissa. As showcased in his unforgettable local commercials, Doug was, in many ways, larger than life: whether it was a family member, a colleague, an employee, or even just a stranger in an elevator, he took every interaction as an opportunity to share his good-natured humor and unflagging generosity a joyous quality that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A true pillar of the community, Doug was also a member of the Hope United Methodist Church, the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Marshalltown Community Theater, and the VFW. Left to cherish Dougs memory are his wife, Anita; daughter, Kari Hensley (Terry Neff) of Asheville, NC, and their two daughters, Kelsey and Lindsay; son, Matthew Hensley of Portland, OR; stepdaughters, Angela Bryant (Ryan) McCrory of Deer Island, OR, and Carissa Bryant (Shane Merry)of Wellsburg, IA, and their son, Esmond; mother, Opal Hensley of Webster City, IA; sisters, Dianna (Terry) Ware of Marshalltown, IA, Julia Carpenter of Lompoc, CA, and Charlene (Kim) Carpenter of San Diego, CA; brothers, Lon (Nancy) Hensley of Williams, IA, and Michael (Janet) Hensley of Virginia Beach, VA; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. A service celebrating Dougs life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 23rd, at the Hope United Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Lothe officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Full military honors will be provided by the Harry C. Harter Veterans of Foreign Wars. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.