In Loving Memory Of

A. B. Dennis

A B. Dennis, of Paoli, was born October 12, 1914, near Paoli at the Crossroads Community to Allen Bouregarde and Serena (Isaac) Dennis. He farmed with his family until graduating high school at Paoli. Later he and Alma Spence were married on January 10, 1941. Alma preceded him in death on April 8, 1978.

On January 4, 1943 from Oklahoma City, he entered the U. S. Army, where he served in the 726th Signal Aircraft Warning Company. His tour of duty included the battles and campaigns of Guadalcanal, Marshall Islands, Guam, Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Okinawa.  A B. was discharged on January 14, 1946, making him a Veteran of World War II. He would recall campaigns of World War II, keeping his listeners spellbound.

Following his discharge he returned to Oklahoma and worked a short time for John Deere, then moved to Pauls Valley, where he opened and ran a service station for about 3 years. A B. then began working for Texaco where he worked at various jobs in production. By the time of his retirement from Texaco, he had returned to the Paoli area where he made his home for 30 years.

He was married to Ethelyn (Whitaker) Dennis at Paoli First Baptist Church on June 11, 1980. He was an active member of Paoli First Baptist Church and a member of the Pauls Valley Masonic Lodge #6 as a 32nd Degree Mason.

A B. passed away peacefully on April 17, 2005 in Paoli, Oklahoma at the age of 90 ½ years.  He loved his wife, family, friends, church, home, gardening, and was an avid sports fan.  His loved ones will remember his endearing smile and thoughtful ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Alma; sister Mettie Weston and brothers John Henry Dennis, Wesley Dennis, Kenneth Dennis, Rayburn (Rab) Dennis and Raymond Dennis; 1 granddaughter, Robyn Hadley; a half sister, Jesse and half brothers, Ira, Walter and Wade Dennis.

Surviving family include his wife of over 24 years, Ethelyn, of the home; 2 stepchildren, Jeannie Denman and her husband, Jim, of Oklahoma City; John J. Lloyd, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Broken Arrow and; 1 brother, Arvy Dennis of Shawnee; 1 sister, Nin Parkey of Pauls Valley; 7 grandchildren, Treyc Roberts, Andrea Kramer, Jennifer West, Scott Denman, Jeffrey Horn, Philip Hindman, Jackson Lloyd, Joshua Lloyd, Sean Lloyd; and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A B. was blessed with caregivers during his illness: Dee Fogelman, Coquetta Blankenship, Mary Jarrel, Judith Bowman, Trish Juarez, and Valley Hospice, as well as numerous friends and war time buddies, whose friendships endured the test of time.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 2 pm at the Paoli First Baptist Church officiated by Pastors Eddy Matthews and Terry Erwin. Burial will be at Paoli Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.