Burton William Dennis, 67, of Henderson, Nev., passed away peacefully with his wife by his side Jan. 11, 2009.
Burton was born March 14, 1941, in Avon, Idaho, to Ethan and Evelyn Howell Dennis. His mother passed away in 1944, and he was raised by his grandparents until the fourth grade, attending his first three years of school in Moscow. When he was in the fourth grade, he moved home with his father and graduated from Deary High School in 1959. He attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1964. While at the university, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC.
On June 20, 1964, Burton married Sharon Osborn in Deary. They left for California after the wedding to begin his career. Two sons, Rodney and Brian, were born to the couple during their years in California. The marriage ended in divorce.
On Jan. 26, 1985, Burton married Gloria Majeno in California, adding five stepchildren to his family.
Burton started his career in 1964-1965 with Bethelham Steel in Los Angeles. In 1965, he entered the civil service and was contracted to the Navy in Port Hueneme, Calif. From 1965-1979, he was employed at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Pacific Missile Test Center, Electronic Warfare Division. From 1979-1980, he was at Robins Air Force Base in Atlanta in the Electronic Warfare Division. From 1980-1985, he returned to Point Mugu Naval Air Station and performed duties on temporary assignment to Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From 1985 to August 1997, he was assigned to Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C. He retired to Henderson at this time and continued to be a consultant to his former assignment.
Burton received many awards during his career: recognition of sustained excellence as an Electronic Engineer, Electronic Warfare Division, Pacific Missile Test Center, Point Mugu, Calif., from 1965-1979; Association of Old Crows (AOC) Operations Medal, 1985; 20 years of service, 1986; and Naval Air Systems Command, Navy Unit Commendation, 1989. The award that Burton was very proud to receive was the Meritorious Civilian Service Award given in recognition and appreciation of meritorious service of high value and benefit to the Navy. He received this award in July 1997.
Burton was preceded in death by a brother, his mother and father.
Burton is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Henderson; his sons, Rodney (Janice), of Lind, Wash., and Brian (Lisa), of Clarkston; his stepchildren, Lewis (Debbie) Clapp of California, Bruce (Diane) Clapp of Connecticut, Karen Ragsdale of California, Clifford Clapp of Mississippi and Rebekah Clapp of California; five grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley (Gerald) Heffel of Vancouver, Wash., and Sandra Dennis of Moscow; two uncles, Delano and Lyle Dennis of Moscow; two aunts, Gloria Johnston of Moscow and Luetta Howell of Lewiston; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog, Tiger.
A memorial service was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Henderson. A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date in Moscow. Donations may be made to the donor's choice.
