Dennis, Lynn Ray 1944-2012

DENNIS, SELBY, RICE, SMITH, BURTON, DEVIN, FAUGHT, WILCOX, RICHARDSON, ADAMS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/27/2024 at 14:24:01

Lynn Ray Dennis
1944-2012
Ankeny, IA

Lynn Ray Dennis, 67, passed away on June 22, 2012 from his courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer for the past two and a half years at his home at Sun Valley Lake.

Services will be held in two locations: A visitation will be held at the Ankeny Church of Christ, 224 SW 3rd St, on Tuesday, June 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a service beginning at 2 p.m. Lynn will then travel to his hometown of Mount Ayr, Iowa for a visitation on Wednesday, June 27 at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 4 to 7 p.m. Services will then be held the following day at the Eagle's Nest Dance Hall in Ellston, IA starting at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.

Lynn was born September 30, 1944 in Bethany, Missouri, the son of Ivan and Nadine (Selby) Dennis. Lynn grew up at Mount Ayr, Iowa and graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1963. Lynn was married to Mickey Rice on February 16, 1964 and together they had three sons, David, Chris, and Brent. Lynn later married Marge Smith on December 15, 1990 and became the step-father to two more sons, Mitchell and Mike.

Lynn owned and operated Dennis Parking Maintenance, a successful pavement marking company for over 40 years. Lynn started his company in 1968 with a 1949 Ford pickup truck and a pull behind sweeper, which through his persistence, grew the company into national recognition. This may have been his job, but his passion and love fell in three categories: classic cars, bass/trout fishing, and Country Western dancing! Lynn was the proud owner of several show cars that he enjoyed showing in competitions and sharing his stories with anyone who would listen.

He had a love for fishing that was evident with the many trophy mounts that he accumulated from lakes all over the world. To say that Lynn loved Country Western music and dancing would be an understatement. Lynn built the Eagles Nest Dance Hall in 2009 at Sun Valley Lake for his friends and dance family to have a first class facility to kick up their heels. Lynn was a high-energy dancer that could teach anyone to dance within a few songs...do we dare mention the triple-step! This was a place of enjoyment where music stars from all over the Midwest came to perform so people listen to great music and dance on the nicest "diamond-ground" dance floor in Iowa.

Lynn was preceded in death by his brother Keith Dennis in 1957; Albert Burton, birth father, in 2000.

Lynn is survived by his parents, Ivan and Nadine Dennis of Independence, Missouri; wife, Marge Dennis of Ankeny, Iowa; sons, David Dennis of Des Moines and his children, Melinda (son Jaden), Devin, and Derrick; Chris Dennis of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and his children, Mikayla and Kali; Brent (Amie) Dennis of Gatesville, Texas and their children, Tucker and Kelsie; step-sons, Mitchell Faught of Berryville, Arkansas and Mike Faught of Springfield, Missouri and their families; brother, Mike (Linda) Dennis of Sandy, Utah; sisters, Linda (Dave) Wilcox of Coos Bay, Oregon and Janet (John) Richardson of Independence, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good and close friends.

Special thanks goes to Steve Adams (brother-in-law) for his tireless efforts in helping Dad through his journey; the medical guidance of the wonderful doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic; the care and support of the nursing staff at the Taylor House; finally, the caring professionals at Greater Regional Hospice in Creston, Iowa as his fight came to an end.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be dedicated to the Taylor House Hospice, 3401 East Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 in Lynn's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines (IA) Register on Jun. 24, 2012.