Dennis Franklin Dehart, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Mesa, Arizona, on November 2, 2024. He was born to Charles W. Dehart and Betty Jane Smith in 1948, in Franklin County Pennsylvania. Dennis was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He married Joyce Lorraine Reynolds, of Waynesboro, Franklin County, PA, in 1977. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple in 2002. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty Jane and son Dennis Frederick Dehart. He is survived by two living sisters, Saundra Schriver and Cindy L. Chilcoat, his daughters Connie L. Lewis and Tina M. Hedley, and sons Scott W. and his wife Stephanie, Victor F and his wife Lisa, and Alan W and his wife Betsabe. He is also survived by grandchildren Hilary, Heather, Amanda, Donald Jr., Taryn, Ariah, Kyra, Sara, Rachel, Emma, Owen, and Alexa, and two great-grandchildren Dominic and Savannah.
Dennis was captain of the volunteer firefighters in Chandler, Arizona, from 1977 until 1981. He was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the VFW of Chandler, Arizona, in 1979. He expanded the volunteer firefighting program, and he also helped organized water battles and parades. He was under Captain Beckwith, and he fought the fire at Seton Catholic High School. He was a journeyman pressman for 5 years, and then was foreman of D. M. Bowman Trucking fleet in Williamsport, Maryland for 12 years. He did side work for independent truckers in his driveway. He retired in Arizona in 2001, and enjoyed smoking meat and feeding people, as well as spending time with his family and riding his motorcycle. Dennis enjoyed spending time woodworking and refinishing furniture in his garage.
Funeral services are to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2520 N Hartford St, Chandler, Az. 85225, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11 am, preceded by visitation at 10am. He will be interred at City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Az.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Joyce and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, prayers to each one of you,, , I am going to miss are phone calls,,
Dennis, was a amazing man. He had compassion and was determined to always make everyone feel valued. I will never forget him helping my son Max make his pinewood derby car. I was impressed with his wood work talent and asked if to refinish a vantage bookshelf, cabinet, and table for us that came across the plains in a covered wagon. The table belong to my husband’s family. It was worth every penny to pay him to refianih these priceless pieces of furniture. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Dennis. Joyce we love you and hope the memories you have with him bring you comfort now and in years to come.