The man could dance, and dance he did. He was always the last to leave the dance floor, cutting rugs until the very last song was played. If you know anything about Dennis Henley Sr., you know that you can easily replace music in the above sentence with countless words.
Then, just when you think you have described the man that he was, you realize you haven’t come remotely close to adequately doing so. Dennis Michael Henley, Sr. was born on March 18, 1947 to Clarence Joseph Henley and Hallie (Powell) Henley of Wheaton, MD and baptized Roman Catholic. He is the youngest of 4 children – brothers Clarence (Biff), Joseph and the late Gene.
He and his beloved wife, Mary (Manley) Henley, were first introduced by Dennis’ oldest brother Biff at the White House under President Nixon’s Administration. They were married in September of 1971 and soon welcomed the first of 7 children – Sean Michael (Erin), Kevin Joseph (Jennifer), and the late Dennis Michael, Jr., Shannan Henley Zepp (Eric), Bryan Patrick Clarence Joseph (Ashley), and the late Thomas Michael, Stephen Matthew (Krista) and in return happily received 16 grandchildren – Taylor, Ashleigh, Aubrey, Ava, Peyton, Kolt, Jayden, Aidyn, Brycen, Seamus, Ainsley, Brock, Presley, McKenna, Aine, and MacKenzie – and 1 great grandchild – Delaney. Dennis served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict.
After he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he was offered and accepted a position with the State Department, where he was employed yet again in a position of public service. From there, Dennis reenlisted in the Army National Guard as an Active Duty Recruiter, and later became full time in the Army. He then went in to the Chief Warrant Officer Program in Counter Intelligence & Security.
He retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. In addition, Dennis and his wife Mary also opened a Catholic Christian book store called The Lord’s Work; a testament to the ministry of their Faith. He finally succumbed in the comfort of his family’s presence on Sunday, January 27, 2019.
Dennis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the young age of 61 and fought this despicable disease for 10 long years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157. The Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 12 noon at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster with Monsignor John Dietzenbach officiating.
Interment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave. , Westminster, Md.
21157, The Alzheimer’s Association at www. alz.org/, or to the Carroll County Bureau of Aging and Disabilities, checks can be made payable to Veteran’s Services.
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