05/23/1988
Services for Dennis J. Belknap, 53, of Ft. Worth, Texas, and formerly of Knoxville, who died May 17, 1988, at his home in Ft. Worth, were held May 23, 1988, at Evans-McCleery Funeral Home.
Interment was in Graceland cemetery. Memorial services were also held on May 20 at Greenwood Chapel in Ft. Worth with Dr. Robert Theston officiating.
The Rev. Ken MacLeod officiated at the Knoxville services. Music was provided by Jim Kidder, organist, and John Crawford, soloist. Pallbearers were John Bartosiewicz, Bert Dennison, Jack McCann, Dr. Richard McConville, Dwight Nichols, and Richard Randol.
Honorary bearers were Bill and Tom Goff, David Horne, Ronald Pasanen, Ken Smith, and Lyle Stockton.
Mr. Belknap was born on Nov. 12, 1934 at Ottumwa, the son of Dr. and Mrs. L.D. Belknap. Moving to Knoxville at an early age, he attended Knoxville Schools, and also attended Kemper Military Academy at Boonville, Mo., Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa where he was a Phi Delta Theta.
On Oct. 27, 1955, at Knoxville, he married Maurine Fast. Following receipt of his commission in the Air Force, he continued his education and earned degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Ohio State University.
He was a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying time, including combat service in Vietnam from 1968-69. Upon returning from Southeast Asia, he commanded a Strategic Air Command detachment at Carswell Air Force Base, Texas.
He retired in 1976 as Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash. During his 21 years of military service, he was presented with many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal on three occasions.
Following retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority as manager of operations and maintenance. He was chosen staff employee of the year in 1985.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; two sons, John of Ft. Worth and David of Euless, Texas; and one sister, Linda McConville of San Jose, Calif.
Memorial contributions may be made to, the charity of your choice in his name.