Maurice Edward Dennis, Jr.

Maurice E. Dennis, Jr. of Moss Bluff went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2010. He lived in the house he built on the West fork of the Calcasieu River for over 60 years. He was born in Suffolk, Virginia and worked construction for many years, until he joined the U.S. Navy as a Seabee during World War II. He served as a Chief Petty Officer (Shipfitter & Plumber) in Trinidad and the Philippines. After the war, he worked as a rigger for Smiley Construction. He worked at Cities Service Oil Company from 1951 to 1983 as a rigger foreman and general craft supervisor. After retiring, he joined the Christian organization Servants on Wheels Every Ready, traveling the United States building camps and churches. Mr. Dennis was a founder and charter member of the First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. He served as chairman of the building committee, church training director, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. He was the last surviving charter deacon. He is survived by his wife Mary V. Dennis of Lake Charles; five children, Maury and Pat Dennis of College Station, Texas; Clyde and Jerrie Dennis of Ragley; Terry (Lorana) Barton, of Westlake; Mike and Alice Dennis of Castle Rock, Colorado; and Ruth Dennis Farmer of Fort Worth, Texas; his sister, Frances Buchanan of Lake Charles; and 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, best friend and wife of 46 years, Winiferd Jackson Dennis; his parents, Maurice E. Dennis, Sr. and Edith Branch Dennis; his brother, Harold Dennis, his sister, Jackie Dennis, and his grandson, Randy Fields. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, May 13, 2010. The funeral will be at 10:00am on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the church. Rev. Shawn Thomas will officiate. Burial will be at Old Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff. Memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home in Monroe, Louisiana.