John H. Dennis, Jr.

John H. Dennis, Jr., 80, of rural Flat Rock, IL, died April 25, 2016 at his home. He was born January 13, 1936 in Robinson, IL, the son of John H. Dennis, Sr. & Florence Irene (Winger) Dennis, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Nora Irene Dennis on October 3, 1957; by his step-daughter, Mindy Joy Baker on September 3, 2005; and by his brothers-in-law, J.D. Seitzinger on Februrary 24, 2012 and Jim Brannon on March 9, 2015. On December 8, 1973, John married Kay Seitzinger, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Mark Dennis (Robinson, IL); by two step-daughters, Melanie Beard (Evansville, IN) and Melissa & Frank Richards (Bolivar, MO); by his grandchildren, Melinda & Chris Moody, Amber Dennis, Tosha & Anthony Avila, Camron & Alyvea Beard, Rachael Harrill, Jared Harrill, and Reeve Dennis; by his great-grandchildren, Austin Moody, Lindsay Moody, Jayden Arellano, and Austin Avila; by his sister, Judith Brannon (Tuscola, IL); by his sister-in-law DeEtta Seitzinger (Metropolis IL) as well as three nephews and one niece. John was a 1953 graduate of Robinson High School. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army for 11 years during the Cold War Era, and saw much of the world over the course of his service. He earned a number of citations and medals over his 11 years, including the Sharpshooter Badge, the Expert Rifleman Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, as well as a Letter of Commendation. Back home, he started to work for the CIPS Plant in Hutsonville before retiring in 1996 after 30 years of service. He was able to make time to further his education and graduated from Lincoln Trail College in 1977 with an Associate’s Degree. In his free time, he could often be found deep into a book or watching Chicago Cubs baseball or Chicago Bulls basketball. He also enjoyed working on cars, especially classic Mustangs. John was a Cub Scout Leader and Boy Scout Leader, and was also active with Friends of the Library. He was a member of the Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church. A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28th at the Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow the visitation and will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church with Bro. Gene Ellis officiating the service. Military rites will be performed at the church and will be conducted by the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. Burial will be held at a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Heart Association, with envelopes available at the church or at Goodwine Funeral Homes.