John Madison Dennis, Jr., 87, of Whitesboro, Texas met his Lord and Savior on May 11, 2023. Once he left the hospital and arrived at the farm, he was surrounded by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and other folks he loved and influenced along the way.
John was born on the Dennis Family Farm on February 9, 1936. At the time of his birth, John M. Dennis, Sr. and Alpha Omega had three daughters. They were very pleased to welcome home their baby brother.After high school, John went to college and developed a love for learning. He spent time in the U.S. Army and graduated from Texas Tech University. He started his lengthy teaching career working for Odem ISD in south Texas. While there he was set up on a blind date to a Polish wedding that was quite successful. His blind date was Jo Elizabeth Watson, his wife for nearly six decades. After leaving south Texas, John taught for Denison ISD, Blythe ISD (CA), Los Angeles ISD (West Covina, CA), Sadler ISD, and Sherman ISD. John retired after 30 years and started subbing in Durant ISD the very next year. He spent 24 years in Durant and retired again with 54 years of public-school education under his belt.
In addition to his love of teaching, John loved being a student as well. Over his lifetime, he attended 25+ different colleges or universities. He always enjoyed discovering something new or different. Growing up on the family farm in northwest Grayson County, John learned about farming and ranching from his parents. His mother, uncles, and his cousins taught him about music. He could pick up most instruments and start to play them right away. His mother would sing to him as a child, and he sang to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous students north and south of the Red River as well. Sometimes those songs would be accompanied by a guitar, an accordion, keyboard, or a ukulele.
If John was passionate about something, he jumped in with both feet. Whether it was barbershop music, speaking Spanish, crocheting, fixing lawnmowers, yoga, sewing, building swimming pools, playing the accordion, auto body repair, water aerobics, sign language, or playing the ukulele, John mastered them all. He loved a good challenge. John loved people, too. He never met a stranger. He made friends everywhere he went. He was easy to talk to and he could tell a good story. He loved to count things and he loved palindromes. He wasn’t afraid of technology or unusual facial hair. John liked to journal, and he loved dancing with Jo. He also loved ice cream and a smooth porter.
John’s grandchildren called him Pappy, and they loved visiting him on the farm and swimming in the spa. Pappy loved visiting his children and grandchildren. He was proud of them all.
John was proceeded in his death by his parents, his sisters, Joan and Jean, and the love of his life, Jo.
He is survived by his four children, Whit Dennis of Whitesboro, Texas, Jeffrey & Vicki Dennis of Copperas Cove, Texas, Jason & Sundee Dennis of Spring Branch, Texas, and Johnna Beth Dennis of Wimberley, Texas; ten grandchildren, Kayla Beth Kainer, Chasta Pierce, Jaxom Price, TJ Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Trevor Harris, Travis Dennis, Hayden Dennis, Korbin Dennis, and Larklin Dennis; and six great grandchildren, Cambri Morales, Lyla Beth Kainer, Davis Kainer, Bella Peirce, Brock Pierce, and Bryce Pierce.. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Dennis Smart of Denison, Texas.
John was a member and music leader of Sandy Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sandusky, Texas. He was a member of the West Grayson County Retired Teachers Association, the water aerobics class at the P.A.R.D., the Whitesboro chorus group, and the yoga studio at Dr. Tuck’s office.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sandy Springs Cumberland PC – scholarship fund at SSCPC 4803 Pinnacle Place Denison, TX. 75021
Family visitation is on Saturday,May 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial at Allison Cemetery will be at a later date.
Job well done sir, rest now you have earned it. Going to miss our visits and talks. RIP sir
So sorry for your loss Whit.
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family…. I never met him.. But I did know Whit.. UNITED STATES AIR FORCE…. 2ND MOB…. PATRICK AFB, FLORIDA… he spoke of his Parents both over these years…. He knows I am with him..
Dave
Very sorry for your loss. My prayers to Whit Dennis and the rest of the family.
Friend and patient of many years.Always looked forward to our conversations. A man of many talents and diverse interests.A kind soul. Condolences to the family
John will be so missed, but we know that the victory is his as he has entered heaven and been reunited with his precious Jo. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family Moe and in the days to come.
Whitt so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he had a wonderful life
Such a beautiful article ❤️
What a wonderful life he had…so full of amazing things. He was an awesome man who will be greatly missed. We know he is happy where he is✝️
When I told my 3 daughters (ages 23, 21, & 16) of Mr Dennis’s passing… They all began talking about him and telling stories. They even sang a song together that he had taught them over the years of having him as a teacher at Washington Irving Elementary in Durant. He left an wonderful impression on so many students. He will be remembered and missed.
Beautifully written of a beautiful and wonderful life. He embraced every minute of his life learning. What a gift.
I had not visited with John (along with Jo and JohnnaBeth from their visit to Louisville several years ago). This past March he made the journey to Glenwood. Arkansas along with JohnnaBeth to attend a memorial service for my aunt. It was such a blessing to see him again. He gave a beautiful message at the service. I feel blessed for the visit.
God bless Whit. Jason, Jeffrey, JohnnaBeth and the entire Dennis family. You all have been extremely blessed to have a father and mother who gave you a wonderful life. Hold onto those wonderful memories.
Such an amazing human being. I miss Jo and will miss John but am so happy that they are dancing in Heaven! Prayers to family and friends that are missing this incredible person.
I only met John a couple of times through his daughter Johnna, but he was always so joyful, enthusiastic, and dedicated to all he chose to do. He went on at least two mission trips with our Presbyterian church in Wimberley and was such a jovial, caring person, not to mention a great worker. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss, and look forward to meeting him again soon when we are together again.
I loved John and all the fun he brought into the 1-5th grade classes at Washington Irving Elementary in Durant. We were hired at the same time in 1992. I taught art. We were the fun teachers that the children looked forward to. My daughter learned so much and gained her love for
Spanish. We love you John Dennis and you will forever be in our hearts ❤️
Our love and condolences. He lived a unique, interesting life. What more could you hope for? May we all be that fortunate.
Johnna, sending love and condolences to you and your family. Just read all about your Dad- what a fantastic man! He had an amazing life!
I never call him John, he was always señor Dennis. He, Kenny Chaffin and I started teaching at Washington Irving the same year. He always made others feel important, and would go out of his way to help with anything needed. He played pranks on his friends and never a day would pass without a song or good story at the workroom lunch table. Thinking back, I will always remember him driving a Volkswagen and wearing his Birkenstock shoes. He was always respected by co-workers and students. Never hesitated to offer his opinion about an issue he believed in. Such a talented individual! Dearly loved his family and always shared stories about his grandkids when I would talk to him. He has had such a difficult year recovering from the car accident and yet he continued to fight for good health and kept a positive attitude. He was tired and I know missed his sweet Jo. Heaven is rejoicing His arrival. Blessing his family with prayers.
I had Mr. Dennis in 1st grade through 5th at Washington Irving (circa 1988-1993). My name is Kevin and I am a girl. He could never remember my name and it drove him nuts because he wanted to so badly! I remember finally after half a year of forgetting it, he came up to me and said “pull your bangs up out of your face..” so I did. He then wrote with the eraser end of a pencil, “Kevin” on my forehead. After that day, anytime he would forget my name he woukd motion for me to pull my bangs up and he would instantly remember. He was such a fun and kind man. He will be missed and left behind a love of the Spanish language for many.
I really only knew John through my mother, Opal Barr. She and John rode together to Perrin Elementary. She loved those rides, and often described the fun they had. He was a dear friend who came to see her often to the very end of her life. What a wonderful man.
The man I knew as Señor Dennis was always an amazing man to me! His class was always my favorite at Washington Irving cause we always got to play Bingo!
Though I never knew Señor Dennis outside of the elementary classroom, his enthusiasm and passion was contagious! Rest well and easy Señor!!
It was a life well lived. He always had a story, a song or a joke ready. If Johnna had a new technology gadget, John had to have one too. Enjoy your reunion with Jo, John.
I got to work with Senor Dennis at WI. My classes and boys loved the songs he taught them. He made learning fun!
What a great interview when we were looking for the Washington Irving Spanish teacher! Señor Dennis serenaded us in song then, and for over 20 plus years afterwards! He epitomized the life long learner … he put his all in learning songs, Spanish, sign language, and so much more. We looked forward to his “Tarzan” song at the end of each school year! John, you made our school a wonderful place for children to learn. Our teachers and staff had so much love for you; as well as your principal! ❤️ RIP dear friend ❤️
I am so glad I had a short visit with him last year. I had not seen him in many decades. When he was the principal a S & S he did something for me that I will never forget. I reminded him of it when we talked last year when I met him at his home. Somehow when I was in HS I got in a algebra class and I assure you math was not my favorite subject. I could never understand why or what letters had to do with a math class.
He pulled me out of that class after two weeks of failure and put me in a math class called related math. It is funny how small things like that seem so insignificant but they happen because someone, someone like Mr. Dennis took the time to help a student that was struggling. I would imagine that Mr. Dennis throughout his amazing life has done so much to influence those he came in contact with during his time here on Earth.
When we had our visit we talked about many things. I asked him if he still had thot old Rambler he drove to school. He looked at me and said I can’t believe you remember that Rambler. He said that car wasn’t exactly a cool car back then. We laughed and I made him look at a picture I had of the car I drove back then. He agreed that my car was cooler than the old Rambler.
RIP Mr. Dennis, and thanks again for dedicating your life to the many students over the years. You will be remembered by many.
We couldn’t ask for better over the fence neighbors and friends. John and Jo were the best. Our prayers go out to the family. Heaven is improved with their presence. We will see them again both happy and healthy!
I have known John since we were at Texas Tech in the late 1950s. He and my husband were roommates at Tech.
He was in our wedding in Odessa in1959. In 1961 while we were stationed in Hanau,West Germany he and his army bud visited us.. I believe they were stationed in Greecefrie at the time. Later he and Jo visited us in KansasCity, Waco and Bentonville. We visited them at the Farm. He andJohnna visited us several times here in San Antonio. Once last summer while they were here in our home……….we sat across from each other in our Living room . Ralph said “ John was the best friend I Ever Had……. And he was . rest in peace John.
Kathryn Yarbrough
What a joy it was that Ms. Johnna Dennis’ students got to meet him this year. Thanks for sharing him and his life with them and us as parents. We enjoy many of the same things- palindromes, numbers, music, and dancing! What a great legacy John left for his family. Revelation 21: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.‘ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”…
I was very sad to hear of John’s passing. I met John a Washington Irving. He was my children’s teacher and was always kind to me. He was a good friend and will be missed.
I met John at yoga several years ago and became friends instantly. He was always upbeat and fun to be around. He inspired me to keep going and was always there to encourage. I will miss you greatly my friend.
I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, and I am sending all of you much love and many prayers. What a wonderful man you had for a father and what memories you now have to cherish! And the same for your mom! The legacy they left you is priceless, and so many of us benefitted just by having them as our friends. They will be missed by so many and loved by all of us.
I met John at evening water aerobics! He is so smart and always had great stories to tell. I’m so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed reading about his life. What a wonderful man. He made a real difference and I’m glad so many people shared their memories here.
Oh, my heart is both sad and joyful for John. I loved getting to visit with him when I went to yoga class. He was the life of the party. Loved hearing him sing (which he did often!) and hearing his stories. As much as we will all miss him here on earth, I can only imagine the rejoicing that is being done in Heaven with him there. So thankful to have known him. Prayers for peace & comfort to all of the family & friends left behind. Until we meet up yonder…
Prayers for the family. An awesome man that I will never forget. Rest in Peace my friend.
+I enjoyed working with John at Sherman HS. he was a good person.
What a wonderful life story to enjoy and remember. Leland has been waiting for you to join him so you can laugh and share stories about you HS days. Oh, what fun your class had. All those class reunions at the Dennis casa are so clear in my memory. You and Jo were the perfect hosts. Thanks for all the enrichment you shared with your students, friends and family. Memories to be cherished! Blessings to your family. Keep singing, John. Leland has a ‘mean’ bass.
Jean Wood, widow of Leland Wood
(dec. O1/04/21)
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family…. I never met him.. But I do know You Johnna Dennis and you are a beautiful combination of the two wonderful people. and if they were anything like you they both were amazing people like you. That being said it is like knowing your beautiful parents. Prayers and blessings to the family.