Obituary of Nelsen E. Dennis
Nelsen E. Dennis, or “Ned” to his friends, passed away on Saturday, January 26th, 2019, while peacefully sleeping at home in Saltillo, TX. He was 66 years old.
Ned was born in Westbrook, Minnesota, on October 14th, 1952, to Aubrey and Ardys Dennis. He was preceded in both birth and death by his two sisters, Rebecca Templeton of Le Sueur, MN, and Christine Skelly of Saltillo, TX.
Ned competed in wrestling and football in high school, and graduated in 1970. In 1972, Ned married Kathleen Dennis, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. Together they raised two sons, Lucas and Patrick.
Also in 1972, Ned volunteered for service in the United States Navy as a nuclear propulsion engineering laboratory technician. At sea he served aboard USS George C. Marshal (SSBN 654) while the ballistic missile submarine executed nuclear deterrent patrols during the height of the Cold War. Ashore, he served as an instructor, teaching chemistry and radiological fundamentals to both officers and enlisted. He was honorably discharged after eight years of service upon being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
In 1980, Ned and Kate moved their family to Saltillo, TX, joining Ned’s parents. He partnered with his father, Aubrey, to raise cattle and custom bale hay. Ned attended East Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science. Additionally, he was a substitute teacher, a little league coach, and a Sunday school teacher. More than anything else, he was a husband and father.
Ned is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathleen; mother, Ardys; son Patrick and wife Amy; son Lucas and the best grandson anyone could hope for, Shawn.
