Dennis Ray Whipple

A celebration of life service will be held for Dennis Whipple on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynoka Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lanman Funeral Home of Helena. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Dennis Ray Whipple was born February 22, 1940, and passed from his earthly home on Sunday, January 18, 2026, just a month shy of his 86th birthday. Dennis was the son of Floyd and Lotus (Bixler) Whipple. He was welcomed into this world by an older sister and two older brothers. Most of his life was spent in the Waynoka area.

At the age of 18, Dennis joined the United States Army. Coming home on leave, he was united in marriage to Rosa Lee Zook on August 16, 1958. They spent their first married years at Camp Leroy Johnson in New Orleans, LA. Their older son, Lynn was born in 1960, while stationed there. Following Dennis’s discharge in the spring of 1961, they returned home to Waynoka. Dennis went to work on the Campbell Ranch for Merle Hayter. While there, they welcomed their second son, Alan in 1963.

In the following years, Dennis worked at the Waynoka Co-op while spending his evenings remodeling homes in the area with his good friend Don Ferguson. In 1969, Dennis went to work for the US Postal Service. He was a letter carrier and clerk from 1969 to 1987, when he became Waynoka Postmaster. He retired in 1997 at the age of 57. Dennis was a very talented carpenter, doing the bulk of the building and finish work on the home he and Rosa Lee currently shared. He loved teaching his sons the art of the trade. Today, they are known to be able to build or fix almost anything. They will always attribute their vast knowledge to their dad.

Dennis and Rosa Lee spent their married life sharing many adventures. In the early 70s, Dennis built his own dune buggy and enjoyed playing on the sand. They spent many weekends camping and fishing, as well as water skiing, doing tricks that caught the eye of many boaters at Canton Lake. Another especially meaningful adventure was preparing chuck wagon meals from their authentic 19th century chuck wagon. They were a hit in many parades with their team of Haflingers pulling their Amish buggy. Square dancing also brought much joy and many great friendships to their life. Dennis and Rosa Lee held many offices including president of the Northwest District Square Dance Association in 1990-91.

Following retirement, Dennis and Rosa Lee bought a camper and for 10 years spent their winters at Lake Medina, TX. Fishing and woodworking were highlights of Dennis’s days there. Throughout his life, Dennis also enjoyed anything outdoors from raising cattle and horses to gardening and keeping a pristine lawn. Dennis will be remembered for his sharp wit and sarcasm.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, ZoeAnn Mitchell and two brothers, Joe Dan Whipple and Gordon Whipple.

Dennis is survived by Rosa Lee, his wife of 67 years; sons, Lynn (Sue) Whipple and Alan (Mandy) Whipple all of Waynoka. Grandchildren, Stacy (Kyle) Howeth of Oklahoma City; Grant (Kyra) Whipple of Fairview; Julie (Kory) Johnson of Helena; Kellie Whipple of Woodward; and Jill (Austin) States of Freedom. Great grandchildren, Anna Cate, Isy, and Anderson Howeth; Sarah Whipple; Madalynn and Taybor Whipple; Kuff Johnson; and Reese and Hollis States. Surviving siblings are Darrel (Lynn) Whipple of Oklahoma City and Connie (Sam) Davis of Orange, TX; many nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made through Lanman Funeral Home to the Waynoka Sr. Citizen’s Center.