Wallace E. “Bud” Dennis, 98, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on September 26, 2024.
Bud was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to the late Forrest and Helen (Farley) Dennis. He married Marian Fahey February 7, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio and she survives in Bowling Green.
Also surviving are their children: Kathleen (Joe Solus) Dennis, Brentwood, Tennessee; Mary Julia Dennis , Bowling Green; and Timothy John Dennis (“Pep” Maria Manalang) of Dover, New Hampshire, grandchildren: Conar Charlton-Dennis, Devlin Charlton, Aislinn Fox, Daniel Solus, Liam Solus & Julia Toke, bonus grandchildren, Zach Smith and Jesse Smith, 11 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Camille Julia Vetrano, Ripplemeade, Virginia and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Patrick Joseph (Janilyn) Dennis, and eight siblings.
Bud was Director of the Wood County EMA (Emergency Management Agency and a deputy for the Wood County Sheriff, retiring in 1995. Bud subsequently worked under the direction of FEMA, traveling the country assisting with disaster relief with his final assignment assisting the people of New York City at “ground zero” after 9/11/01.
Bud was a member of the St Aloysius Catholic Church, the BG Kiwanis Club, and Friends of the Wood County Library, all of Bowling Green. He volunteered with the Special Olympics in his younger years and could be found ringing the Salvation Army bell at the BG Kroger store at Christmas time well into his 90s. Bud loved Wood County and the City of Bowling Green. He enjoyed having his family around him and especially enjoyed singing a song or two during performances of the family’s bands, “Paddy’s Night Out” and “Toraigh,” and accompanying on the “bones,” his daughter Mary, at local Irish sessions.
He proudly served his country aboard the Navy Destroyer, the USS Owen during WWII, and recently received the 2023 Veteran Congressional Commendation from the US Congress. He was a ham radio operator enthusiast and a very gifted woodworker, winning many awards at the Wood County Fair. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will cherish these works of art and the many memories made while gathered together with good food and good music, known in Irish as “good craic.” He will be always loved and greatly missed.
A traditional Irish wake will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 4-8 p.m. Please contact Mary Dennis at [email protected] for details and location.
A funeral mass for Bud will be held on Monday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St., Bowling Green. The Last Radio Call and Military Honors will be rendered immediately following the mass.
The family’s request in lieu of flowers, a book may be gifted in Bud’s honor to the Friends of the Library, c/o Wood County Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402.
Memorial’s in Bud’s honor may also be made to the Special Olympics and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green.
www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com
