JOHN WEBB DENNIS

POST - John Webb Dennis passed on at the ranch Tuesday morning, Oct. 19, 1999. He was born in Farmers Branch, Texas, on March 9, 1917. His parents were J. S. and Lela May Dennis.

As a youngster, the Dennis Family made their move to San Angelo, Texas, where John attended and graduated from San Angelo High School and San Angelo Junior College, receiving numerous honors in basketball, track and baseball.

Love of ranching and being a No. 1 goat roper came early in life as John worked with sheep and goats on his relative's ranches. (The Mims and Demere families). This early experience led eventually to John's ranching career and original partnership with brothers Jack and Bert in Fort Stockton, Texas, and then, after World War II, purchasing the present ranch in northern Borden County in 1946 and working together until the late 1950s.

On March 30, 1946, John married Margaret Bruels of Mercer, Pa., in San Angelo. They moved to and have resided on the ranch in northern Borden County, raising four children, along with mostly sheep, a few horses and cattle and most especially his SUPER DOG COG.

John was an avid sports enthusiast, supporter, promoter and sometimes referred to as ``Coach'' of the many athletic events pursued by his children, plus 4-H, FFA, livestock shows, horse shows and junior rodeos.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Dennis Awtry Oct. 13, 1997.

He is survived by his wife, (Margaret), affectionately called Miss Peggy; one son, David Dennis of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Mary Ann Dennis Awtry of Orange City, Iowa, and Jacquie Dennis Whalen of Gail, Texas; also, three grandchildren, Michael Awtry of Abilene, Texas, Russell Awtry of Lubbock, Texas, and Marissa Awtry of Southlake, Texas.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in Gail at the Borden County School Auditorium. Father Larry Hemp officiated. Procession and burial was to the Terrace Cemetery in Post, under the direction of Hudman Funeral Home.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Borden County EMS in Gail or to Vista Care Hospice of Big Spring.

Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams