Dennis Edward Dennison

Dennis was born January 27, 1947 in Ventura, CA to Rudolph Rapp “Bud” and Mary Catherine “Molly” (Walpole) Dennison. Dennis graduated from Lowell High School, Whittier, CA in 1964. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 including a year in the Vietnam War which deeply influenced his character.

Dennis returned home to California, and soon after, he and his first wife, Pam (Soltau) Dennison, became proud parents to two sons, Robert and Brent.

He achieved his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University Fullerton in 1978 while working as a lineman climbing telephone poles. Dennis advanced in the communications industry in management for companies including GTE, Starnet and Contel. He finished his career as a Senior Product Manager at GTE headquartered in Irving, TX in 2004.

The luckiest day of his life was meeting his love, Karen, on a ski bus trip to Colorado in 1995. He often reminded Karen how he was so happy to meet her that day, and the next winter they were engaged on a mountain top. Dennis and Karen were married on October 25, 1997.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Karen Dennison, brother Ron Dennison, Cathedral City, CA, sons Robert Dennison, Denver, CO, and Brent (Laura) Dennison, Mishawaka, IN, and four grandchildren, Michael, Madeline, Delaney and Kyle.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Bud & Molly Dennison.

Dennis was a fun-loving, hard-working, dedicated, generous, adventurous, loving husband, friend, father, and grandfather. He often traveled to see his grandchildren in Indiana at important events and gatherings offering his loving advice with a twinkle in his eye. He especially enjoyed traveling to his mother’s homeland in Ireland and was deeply proud of his Irish heritage. Dennis loved hosting backyard barbecues and pool parties, sharing a burger and margarita with neighbors and friends. Dennis and Karen’s life together was filled with activities and devoted groups of friends - the “Usual Suspects”, the “Bunco Group”, game nights, square dancing and travels creating lasting, joyful memories.

Dennis often spoke of meeting interesting people on his journeys, surfing in Southern California, climbing telephone poles and riding helicopters in Vietnam. He never met a stranger; to know him was to feel like family. For the many who had the pleasure of being part of “the Big Guy’s” life, they always spoke about how they were touched by his kindness, warmth, and generosity. We will miss “DD’s” contagious smile, his long stories (he never had a short one) and we’ll miss poking fun at him for watching all those Hallmark Movies.

Funeral mass will be held March 21, 2025 10:30am at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, TX. Celebration of life to follow at the Dennison home.

Being a Veteran was part of Dennis’ life story. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to the Veteran’s Administration, you may use the following link: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/