Dean E. Tennis

Dean E. Tennis, age 92, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 21, 2022, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, Kansas.

He was born July 19, 1930, at Chanute, Kansas, the son of Israel Clayton and Leona Mae (Trapp) Tennis. As a boy he attended school in Chanute, graduating from Chanute High School. He later attended Neosho County Community College in 1950 and Kansas State University. On August 26, 1952, he joined the United States Army serving for two years and then transferring to the Army Reserves for six years. After his discharge, he began his career with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company as a welder and natural gas well checker, as well as a farmer.

He enjoyed farming, cattle, antique collecting, license plate collecting, attending auctions, camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends.

On April 7, 1957, he married Vivian Marie Billbe at Satanta, Kansas. She precedes him in death on March 3, 2020.

He is survived by two sons, James Tennis of Rose Hill, Kansas, and Brent Tennis and wife Gigi of Henderson, Texas; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife; a son, Kent Alen Tennis; a daughter, Kim Marlene Heinson; a grandson, Edward Heinson; his parents; three brothers, Merle Clayton Tennis, Howard (Dick) Richard Tennis, and Marvin William Tennis; and three sisters, Helen Louise Rinehart, Ruth Frances Thielen, and Florence Marie Carlburg.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm. Monday, September 26, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church, Meade. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Monday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com