David Arthur Dennis was born on May 20, 1936, in Wellington, Kansas, to Paul Henry Dennis and Eugenia Smith. He was raised in a large and lively family, growing up alongside seven siblings. He was preceded in death by five of his siblings—Virginia Haggard, Bill Dennis, Cordy Liggett, Paul Dennis, and Steve Dennis—and is survived by his two remaining siblings, Kendall Dennis and Betty Womack.

David was very involved in all things sports as a young man. He was a tri-athlete all through high school. Basketball, football and track. He loved all three sports equally, yet excelled as a track star as he carried that talent into his college career. He attended El Dorado Community College and pursued his love of running on a scholarship. He shifted over to Wichita State University to complete his bachelor’s in Business.

He fell in love with Mary Lynne, his beautiful wife of 67 years, when he was in high school. They both attended Eldorado High School where they were Homecoming Queen and King. Many friendships and memories were created during this special time in David’s life. During his summer vacations David would spend his time at his sister Virginia’s home in Wellington to work on her farm. He loved the farm and carried that tradition into his own family where Melissa and Jeff would then join Uncle Larry and Aunt Virginia for a summer full of hard work and fun memories.

Having earned his college degree in business, David became a manager of people during his successful career in the finance industry for over 35 years. This career brought many moves for his family - from Kansas to Nebraska, Tennessee, Illinois, Oregon, California, and Missouri, before retiring in Lincoln, California, where he spent many happy years with the love of his life, Mary Lynne. He spent his retirement years golfing, visiting children and grandchildren, and taking vacations to Hawaii and Tahoe which were some of his favorites. His absolute favorite pastime was watching any and all sporting events on TV. He was an avid sports fan. In his later years he embraced the game of baseball and became a huge San Diego Padres fan.

David is survived by his children Jeffrey & Sophie Dennis, Jennifer & Steve Rolf, and Amy & Mike Wallen; ten grandchildren; Noah, Katie, Megan, Trevor, Allison, Jessica, Alexa, Daniel, Morgan, and Ryan; and two great-grandchildren; Jace and Annie. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lynne Dennis and his beautiful daughter, Melissa “Missy” Davies.

These precious words and memories were shared from all of his grandchildren…

David will be remembered for his deep love of family, his love of all things sports, his silly jokes and the laughter he brought into all of our lives.