10/10/2016
Melvin Eugene Dennison was born March 20, 1930 at home in rural Knoxville the son of Robert and Beatrice (Orr) Dennison.
Mel graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1949. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country honorably and was discharged in June of 1954.
On June 5, 1955 Mel was united in marriage to Louise Rowley. He worked for several years at Brown Shoe Fit Company, before eventually buying four shoe stores of his own. In 1979 Mel and Louise started in the racing business eventually embroidering shirts and hats and selling other racing memorabilia. They followed sprint car racing around the United States for years, eventually selling the business to their daughter Deb in 1993. However, they continued to remain active in the business and the racing community.
In his spare time, Mel enjoyed playing cards and cribbage. He was also active in the First Christian Church in Newton. His greatest joy was spending time with family especially the grandkids and great-grandkids.
Mel passed away on Monday, October 10, 2016 at the V.A. Medical Center, in Des Moines, at the age of 86 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Harriet; two sisters: Nancy and Phyllis and one brother, Eldon.
Those left to honor Mel’s memory include his loving wife of 61 years, Louise; children: Deb Dennison (Alan Mulder), Cindy Henkins (Don) and Melvin Dennison II (Teresa Creech); 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; siblings: Brenda Mater, Bert Dennison and Paul Dennison and many other family members and friends.
Funeral services for Melvin Dennison, of Knoxville, will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum or to the First United Methodist Church.