Leo Preston Dennis Sr. passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Services will be 1:00 pm Sunday, January 6, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elk. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elk. Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm Saturday, January 5, 2019 with Rosary at 7:00 pm at Bellmead Funeral Home.
Leo was born September 22, 1929 in Bosque County, near Iredell, Texas the son of share croppers, Joseph D. and Albina Dennis. He moved to Bosqueville and started school in 1935. Leo was double promoted in grade 2 and 4, moved to Mount Calm in 37-38 then to Bellmead in 1940. In 1944-45 he dropped out at midterm and joined the Navy. Sworn in April 12, 1946 till his discharge on February 17, 1948. He served on the U.S.S. Albany and the U.S.S. Huntington. In 1950 he tried to reenlist in the Korean War, however they had meet their quota. Leo was a life time member of VFW post 121, Sons of Confederate Veterans, National Rifle Association of America, Life Time member of U.S.S. Albany CA-123, Life time member of U.S.S. Huntington CL-107, Life time member of Veterans of Underage Military Service, Life time member of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree member. Leo owned and operated Leo Dennis Construction Company since 1954. He loved birds and hunting arrowheads.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra, brothers, Billy and Lawrence Dennis; and daughter, Cindy Easter.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Dennis; his daughter, Sally Tlustos and husband Wayne of Corsicana; son, Preston Dennis and wife, Linda of Axtell; daughter, Sharon Tierce and husband, David of Axtell; daughter, Susan Trickett and husband, Charles of Bellmead; Daughter, Cheryl Landrum and husband, Chris of Whitney; son, John Dennis and wife, Robyn of Axtell; brother, Danny Dennis and wife, Barbara of Chalk Bluff; 25 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Elk and St. Catherine's Providence Hospice.
Condolences(12)
David
Riesel, TX Friday, February 22, 2019 I am sorry to have missed Leo's funeralI considered Leo a good and honest friend
Donis and Mary Wilson
Mart, TX Tuesday, January 8, 2019 We are so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I had the opportunity to visit your dad and listen to his stories about my dad Bobby Veselka, one day I will alway cherish. Our prayers are with your family.Providence Hospice
, AL Monday, January 7, 2019 I'm sorry for your loss. It was an honor to care for Mr. Dennis. He was such a sweet man and has such a lovely family. You all did a great job caring for him at his home too. We enjoyed being a part of his last days with us. Please let us know if we can do anything for any of you.Jimmy Needham
Waco, TX Sunday, January 6, 2019 My thoughts and prayers are with you.Debra Sherrard
Axtell, TX Sunday, January 6, 2019 You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.Cindy Milner
Axtell, TX Sunday, January 6, 2019 Our thoughts and prayers are with Leo's family. Our father, Earl Milner, worked for Leo many years ago. Dad always spoke highly of him.Rest in peace.
Cheryl, Melanie and Cindy Milner
Sister Patricia Gardner
, AL Sunday, January 6, 2019 My prayers are for Mr. Dennis and his family.Joyce Free Jones
Talihina, OK Saturday, January 5, 2019 I was so sorry to hear of Leo's passing. I have such fond memories of seeing he and my Dad talking, along with my Dad telling Leo stories as he was reminiscing of the times they spent together. My Dad had a number of friends but I know that Leo was so special to him. We were all so blessed when these two special cowboys met in the 50's and allowed us kids and our Mom's to know each other. My heart hurts for all of you for the days going forward of wishing to be able to hear one more story and to see that smile one more time. Love from Oklahoma.Bill & Robin Liebe
Waco, TX Saturday, January 5, 2019 Rest In Peace dear friend!!!!!Theresa (Dennis) Pickens
Surprise, AZ Friday, January 4, 2019 So sorry to hear of Leo's passing. You all were so blessed to have him for so long. He is now rejoicing with all his loved ones that have gone before him. Wish I could be there to pay my respects but just know I love him and you all are in my thoughts and prayers 💔🙏david schreck
Murphy, TX Friday, January 4, 2019 Carole, Anna Marie, Ellie and I will miss Leo! I can not mention the number of times the girls talk about memories of laughing with Leo....driving around the ranch, or visiting after church.When young they waited in the pew with excitement for Leo to shake their hands after communion.
Once Leo told them about the time he fell off his dozer. They still laugh at the story's final sentence. "I fell so quick, I didn't even know I fell until I hit the grown?"
We will miss your smile, laughter and phone calls checking on us!!
David, Carole, Anna Marie, and Ellie
Shannon Bass and Rebecca Kolosci
Waco, TX Thursday, January 3, 2019 Rest in peace Leo. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Gonna miss seeing you having fun driving around in the golf cart. Rest easy neighbor.