EDMOND —
Melvin Dennis, 98, known as “Dutch” by most of his friends, was born January 15, 1915 in DeQueen Ark., and went home to be with Jesus February 27, 2013. 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 40’s, 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. Lous 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.
Viewing will be 5-7 p.m. March 4, 2013 at Ruebels Funeral Home, Little Rock, Ark. Burial will be 10:30 a.m. March 5 in Pinecrest Cemetery Little Rock, followed by a memorial service at Asbury UMC at noon.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. March 7 at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Asbury UMC, Little Rock, Ark., or Church of the Servant 14343 N. MacArthur, Oklahoma City, OK 73142. Arrangements by Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond.
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Melvin “Dutch” Dennis
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