Obituaries

Melvin "Dutch" Dennis

Photo of Melvin "Dutch" Dennis
Melvin "Dutch" Dennis, 98, of Edmond, Okla., went home to be with Jesus on Feb. 27, 2013. Dutch, as he was known by most of his friends, was born in DeQueen, Ark. on Jan. 15, 1915. As a boy growing up in Arkansas he worked with his Dad in lumber camps clearing land that would become some of the most fertile farm land in the world. As a young man he traveled to Michigan to "seek his fortune" and also met his future wife, Hazel, who became his loving partner for life. They had three children and made a host of friends along the way. In the late 40s, the family returned to Arkansas where he owned a variety of businesses and served as the mayor of Caraway. He was active in Methodist churches, leading the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving as a Lay speaker. He was instrumental in bringing American Greetings factories to Arkansas and worked with them until his retirement. After retirement, he continued to stay busy, serving on the Arkansas Board of Review for several more years, remaining active in his church, golfing, gardening, painting, writing his life story and following his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. In 2009 he moved to Oklahoma where he continued his busy life painting, reading, being part of the Transitions Sunday School Class and making a host of new friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel and daughter, Judy. He is survived by his daughter, Sally and husband Jerry Liles; son, Randy Dennis and wife Joyce; grandchildren, Brad and Tina Carter, Clay and Molly Carter, Shari and Michael Elliott, Lindy and Rianne Rhodes; seven great-grandchildren and his beloved dog Charlie. A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m., Burial in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. will be March 5 at 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at Asbury UMC following at 12 p.m. An additional memorial service will take place on March 7 at the Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either; Asbury UMC, Little Rock or Church of the Servant 14343 N. MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73142. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published March 3, 2013

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