Earl Dean Henlee was born June 12th, 1927 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Inis Louise (Ruyle) and Edwin Eugene Henslee, Sr. He passed away Monday, November 30th, 2020 in Elk City, Oklahoma at the age of 93 years, 5 months and 18 days. Earl grew up in Elk City where he graduated from Elk City High School in 1945. After graduation he was drafted into the United States Army where he traveled to various locations including Witchita Falls, Texas, for basic training; Boca Raton, Florida for radar certification; Seattle, Washington, and Showa, Japan where he finished out his military career in airplane mechanic school. He returned stateside in January,1947, when he was discharged at Camp Beale in California. After discharge he made his way to Lawton, Oklahoma where he lived with his brother, Ed, while attending Cameron University. Later he transferred to Oklahoma A&M University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry and his Master's Degree in Agriculture Education. Earl married Eva Lou (Wootton) Henslee at Pampa, Texas on October 22, 1949. After their marriage Earl taught agriculture education in Ryan, Oklahoma, Pocahontas, Illinois, and Greenville, Illinois before beginning his work on genetics at Washington University in St. Louis in the mid 60's. Earl and Eva moved back to Oklahoma where Earl taught at Cameron Junior College. In 1974, Earl completed a PhD in Biological Science Education at Oklahoma State University. He finished his teaching career at Joliet Junior College, retired in 1987, and returned to Elk City. During Earl's retirement, he and Eva enjoyed traveling with their camper all over the United States, taking in its remarkable beauty. They would visit family and especially enjoyed their grandchildren as well as spending winters in Florida. Earl was actively involved in researching the geneology of the Henslee family tree. He loved photography, fishing, and could fix anything that needed repair. Most of all he loved to talk and tell stories to anyone that would lend an ear. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva; 2 sons, Harry Wayne Henslee and Michael Lee Henslee, along with 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Earl is survived by his son, Earl D. Henslee, Jr., Altus, OK; 2 daughters-in-law, Sara Dir, Chandler, AZ and Sheryl Henslee, Medina, Ohio; 4 grandsons and wives: Kevin and Kristyn Henslee, Brian and Anneliesa Henslee, Adam and Jill Henslee, and Jason Henslee. Earl's great grandchildren include Corinne and Ellen Henslee, Madison, Harrison, and Benjamin Henslee, stepgrandchildren, Zandra and Makennah Harless. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Due to Covid-19, a private graveside gathering will be held at a later date.