Howard Wayne Dennis, 98, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Dennis was born January 21, 1915 to George D. and Effie B.(Leslie) Dennis in Farmers Branch, Texas. A lifelong resident of Farmer's Branch, Dennis graduated from Dallas Tech in 1934 and worked for a brief time for the hosiery mill on Denton Drive upon graduation. Three years later he became the first man drafted from Dallas County into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. Under General George Patton, he stormed the beaches of Normandy and served as a tank mechanic in the battle field holding the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. He later fought in The Battle of the Bulge, freed thousands from Nazi Concentration Camps and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for "distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States" on September 1, 1944 in the area of Exermont, France. After being attacked by an enemy ambush, one vehicle of an American tank force toppled into a ditch, trapping its crew inside the overturned tank. Serving as tank mechanic, Tec 4 Dennis advanced under a violent artillery barrage and heavy fire from the anti-tank guns to the exposed vehicle. Ignoring the shells that were exploding throughout the area, he persisted in his efforts to remove the tank and free the trapped crew. Tec 4 Dennis' courageous and determined action was worthy of this high praise. Dennis was honorably discharged on November 23, 1945 and returned to Farmer's Branch. He married Mildred Pauline Baird on April 20, 1946. That same year he began working as a mechanic for Southern Plaza Express, now known as Consolidated Freightways, where he served until he retired 1976. He later worked for Brookhaven Country Club, also as a mechanic, then started a repair service in his backyard servicing the local community. He is survived by his brother George D. Dennis Jr.; daughters Kathleen (Ken) Vines; Colleen (Jim) Longbotham; grandchildren Jeff (Patrice) Vines; Lauren (Tod) Meisner; Megan Longbotham; great grandchildren Maddox Vines; Faith Vines; Courtney Meisner. Howard was preceded in death by his parents George D. and Effie (Leslie) Dennis; brother Horace Dennis; sisters Maureen McKay and Claudine Dennis; wife Pauline (Baird) Dennis; granddaughter Courtney Elaine Longbotham. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Webb Chapel United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Joyce Cravens presiding. Burial will follow at Keenan Cemetery in Farmer's Branch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Webb Chapel United Methodist Church.
Published in Dallas Morning News on April 27, 2013