Howard Wayne “Ace” Dennis of Bryan, Ohio and Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully in his Ohio home on the afternoon of October 12th, 2019, at the age of 83. Wayne was preceded in death by his father and mother, Howard and Mildred Dennis of Hicksville, Ohio, and his three brothers Richard Dennis, Stanley ‘Gene’ Dennis and Leo Franks, and his in-laws Bob and Evelyn Murphy. Wayne is survived by his loving wife Marjorie Dennis with whom he enjoyed over 62 years of wedded happiness.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Dawn Van Horn of Montpelier, Ohio, and his son Brent Dennis of Tucson, Arizona, along with Ohio and Michigan grandchildren Adam Van Horn, Brent Van Horn, Ashley (Dennis) Troyer and Derek Dennis. Other surviving and loving family members include Marilyn and Andy Lichty, Joni Dennis, Deloris Dennis, Jenna Troyer and many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was born in Portland, Indiana on July 12, 1936, and lived most of his school and work life in Edgerton, Ohio. He attended and graduated from the Edgerton schools, where he excelled in baseball and basketball, holding the school scoring record in basketball for many decades.
Wayne planted the beautiful maple tree that still grows in front of the former Edgerton High School building on Michigan Avenue. As a semi-pro baseball player in the Stan Musial League, “Ace” was the catcher for Sutton’s Market and helped lead the way to the team’s National Championship in 1964.
Over the years Wayne made countless friends through his work at the Ford dealerships in Edgerton, selling and installing floor covering in the tri-state area and refereeing basketball. He and Marj became “snowbirds” with their winter home in Bradenton, Florida where they continued their year-round enjoyment of golf.
Throughout his many years of retirement, Wayne enjoyed golf with his wife and friends, volunteering to organize golf scrambles, calling BINGO and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
What Wayne enjoyed most was spending time with his family and friends. Family was important to him, he was a very loving and generous son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to so many. He will be missed by many that loved him and who hold wonderful memories.
There will be a Celebration of Life held for him at the Krill Funeral Home, 114 East Hull Street, Edgerton on the morning of Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., with a luncheon following in Edgerton.
The family is respectfully asking in lieu of flowers that donations be considered to Community Health Professionals Hospice.