Dennis Ashley Vierling

Dennis Ashley Vierling passed away on November 1st, 2025, in Rockwall, Texas.

Dennis was born on July 8, 1944, to Donald Edward Vierling and Eleanor Vierling (Elias) in Chicago, Illinois. After his dad completed his military service, the family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dennis attended Baldwin ISD in White Hall, PA through his Sophomore year and was then accepted into Mercersburg Academy for two years. While there, he played basketball and was called the "Robot" by his teammates because he did most of the shooting for the team.

Dennis then attended the University of Delaware, earning a B.A. Degree in History, and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He joined the Army ROTC Program which earned him a commission in the US Army.

During the Vietnam War, Dennis was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany as an Army Military Police Officer. After completing his military commitment, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Houston College of Optometry to achieve a Doctor of Optometry Degree. He then established a private practice in Rockwall, Texas in 1975, and practiced optometry there for over 32 years. Dennis was also in the Army Reserves and was called up during Desert Storm. Later, he was in the Air Force Reserves. Dennis retired from the military as a Lt. Col. Air Force.

During his life in Rockwall, Dennis was President of The Heart Association, President of Rotary, and served two different terms as President of The Rockwall County Historical Foundation and Museum. He was most proud of his involvement in the move of The Bailey House. He was awarded "The Carolyn Francisco Excellence in Preservation Award" for his efforts to preserve the first built structure in Rockwall, the Manson-LaMoreaux-Hartman House. He was also a member of the East Fork Trinity Chapter 47 Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and previously served as a Color Guard Commander.

Dennis always had a cheerful spirit, enjoyed a good conversation, was an avid reader and loved traveling, history, sports and especially basketball.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Vierling (French), his son Donald A. Vierling (Christina) and his two grandchildren, Corrina J. and Ronan A. Vierling, of San Clemente, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Eleanor Vierling and his older sister Virginia Vierling Stouder.

Dennis never gave up trying to battle different types of cancer for almost 10 years. We will miss him dearly and will always have him in our hearts. He was my anchor and my best friend-Love Lisa.