Jack M. Dennis

JACK M. DENNIS, born in Reserve, Louisiana, September 14, 1931, to Edwin L. Dennis, Sr., and Maurice Garmany Dennis, died at home in Houston on January 19, 2006. He is survived by Sandra Vastine Dennis, his loving wife of 54 years; his daughter Jacque Dennis of Houston, Texas; two sons and their wives: Reid and Linda Dennis of New Orleans, Louisiana; Michael and Linda Dennis of Churchton, Maryland; Sylvia F. Dennis of Annandale, Virginia; and three grand-daughters: Caitlin, Emily and Corinne Dennis. Other surviving relatives include his brother Lamar and sister-in-law Carolyn Dennis of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his sister Dorothy Dennis Scott of Biloxi, Mississippi; half sisters: Maggie Dennis Scofield of Raleigh, North Carolina and Arlene Dennis Hanks of Carrboro, North Carolina; sister-in-law Barbara Vastine Hughes and husband Bill of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; brother-in-law Boone Vastine and wife Carolyn of Houston, Texas; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family. Jack married his childhood sweetheart December 1951, prior to their graduation from L.S.U. in June of 1952. He reported for duty with the USAF Upper Air Research Project in Alamogordo, New Mexico, with his 2nd Lieutenant's commission in hand and became Project Officer in the program that was the precursor to NASA. In 1954, his degree in Petroleum Engineering launched him on a career path with Phillips Petroleum Co., in Kansas, West Texas and New Mexico. He joined Texaco, Inc., in 1956 and enjoyed a variety of assignments including field engineer in central and west Texas and Manager of Supply & Distribution in Houston. In 1978 Jack and Sandra where transferred to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he became the North Eastern Regional Manager of Refined Products. Jack returned to Houston in 1982, where he concluded his engineering career as Manager of Long-Range Planning for Domestic Exploration in 1989. Jack was an active member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder, and teacher. He was a member of Hey Lollies Square Dance Club and a mentor for the HUG Program at Housman Elementary. He had a life-long love of the outdoors, enjoying camping, sailing and maintaining his yard. Nationwide trips in their 5th wheel RV was a special joy the past 10 years of his life. Those fortunate enough to know Jack will miss his joy of life and appreciation of family and friends. A man who did things ?decently and in order,? he enriched our lives and we will miss his loving ?can do? spirit! A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church at 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston 77024 on Monday, January 30 at 10 A.M. followed by a reception in the parlour. Memorial contributions may be made to MDPC in lieu of flowers.