Dennis Ray Gensman

Dennis Ray Gensman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and kindness. Born on August 15, 1952, in Perryton, Texas, to Lyla and William Gensman, Dennis spent his early years growing up in a close-knit family alongside his brothers, Lynn and Jimmy Gensman both of Darrouzett, Texas.

Dennis graduated from Beaver High School in Beaver, Oklahoma, in 1971. Following graduation, he attended Okmulgee Career Tech before choosing a path of service by joining the U.S. Navy in 1972 as a submariner. He served on the U.S.S.B. Kamameha during his tour, earning his “Dolphins.” He completed his tour in 1975, serving his country with pride.

In 1980, Dennis married the love of his life, Mona Louise Hacker, on April 25, and together they built a beautiful life. He embraced his role as a devoted father to Vesta Lynn Stidham, and during their blissful marriage, they welcomed two more children, Nicole Rae and Skylar Mitchel, into their family.

A man of many talents and passions, Dennis was an avid hunter and fisherman, playing golf, spending countless hours enjoying the great outdoors. He was very active throughout his life in Masonic Lodge. He was also a dedicated farmer, raising pigs, elk, and cattle on his land. Dennis also served his community as a volunteer firefighter for a time. Known as a jack of all trades, Dennis worked for many years as a pumper before retiring to focus on his farm. His greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his, wife Mona of 44 years, children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Dennis never met a stranger, and his friendly, warm personality endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mona; his children, Nicole and husband Ron Brown of Lubbock, Texas, and Skylar of Darrouzett, Texas; his brother, Lynn of Darrouzett, Texas; and his grandchildren, Corbin, Jesse, Ellie, Henry, and Desmond whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyla and William, his daughter Vesta, and brother Jimmy.

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at the Darrouzett auditorium on October 13, 2024 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Darrouzett EMS and Darrouzett Firefighters Association in his memory.

As Dennis would say, “May the birds of paradise fly up your nose, and I'll meet you at the River.”