Dennis Lee Rumbaugh celebrated the morning of Dec. 10, 2016, headed west, headed "HOME", family by his side, riding down the road in a big dually truck.  The talk was of tractors as country music was playing in the background.  He died later that day at the Stormont Vale Health Systems in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 75.

He was born on July 14, 1941, in Smith Center, KS.  Growing up on the Johnson family farm, Dennis knew the toils of hard work and becoming an honest man. With a streak of mischief in his eyes, he was known for his pranks, often deeming him "Dennis the Menace".  Dennis graduated from Phillipsburg Senior High, Phillipsburg, KS, in 1959.  He enrolled in McCook Community College, McCook, NE with a scholarship to the Indians football team.  With 1 semester under his belt, he decided he wasn't nearly as big a boy as he thought he was!  The irony to come was that within a few weeks, he and his buddies - Dean Gipe, Kenton Locke, and Jan Sigwing - enlisted in the United States Navy.  Dennis joined the NAVY SEAL team when they toured Vietnam, and took part in Air Sea Rescue and Jungle Patrol.  He served his Country from February 1960 to February 1964 aboard the USS Ranger CVA61.  Dennis was proud of his service, and always took the time to stop and thank a veteran. He remained in touch with his buddies that he enlisted with and 2 of them are here today as honorary bearers.  In Dennis's later years he had a special bond with a K9 Veteran, Bram #B155.

While on a NAVY leave, Dennis met the love of his life and was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Wilson on June 24, 1963 in Red Wood City, CA.   Born to this union were 4 children: Jennie Eileen, Suzanne, Bruce Michael, and Hollie Lynn.  Dennis and Carolyn resided in San Jose, CA until shortly after the birth of their first born and then made their home in Phillipsburg, KS.  They raised their children to love the out-of-doors - from Boy Scout trips, trail rides, and secret fishing holes, to the love of animals and compassion for all.

Dennis had a long resume' of work experience after his honorable discharge from the Navy.  He worked as a Lab Technician at the Coop Refinery from 1964 – 1982, then he and Carolyn owned and operated the Circle D Western Store in Phillipsburg for seven years, during which time he also drove a school bus for USD #325.  In 1990 Dennis went to work for the Phillips County Road Dept. and then in 1995, for KDOT until 2006 when he retired.

In high school Dennis was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.  Upon return to KS in 1964 he became a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.  He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church, and he and Carolyn were always the first to volunteer to help with youth groups and missions trips.  He remained on the Missions committee until his passing.  Dennis was also a lifetime member of the VFW and currently served as the Vice Commander of the American Legion. Dennis was an original shareholder of the Phillipsburg Rodeo Association and planned to pass his share on to one of his children.

In addition to his love of scouting, horses and fishing, Dennis enjoyed camping & traveling, going to rodeos, and hunting.  A man of many passions, he loved reading and had a personal library collection of Louis L'Amour books as well as an extensive record collection.  He truly loved dancing, especially with his wife, as well as listening to all genres of music, singing in the church choir, and last but not least, telling jokes.

Anyone who met Dennis knew he was "quite often, the father he didn't have to be".  From his young brother-in-law, Robin, to cousins and classmates of his own children, he and Carolyn took in many over the years and guided them as one of their own.  Dennis would stop to help anyone he saw that needed a hand.  Truly devoted to his wife, his years with Carolyn were 53 this past June.  They glowed when they danced.  To his last day, he was still in the habit of leaving her love notes.  Of course he is remembered for his passion for horses and the western way of life.  Dennis's first pair of cowboy boots were bought with his own money at a young age.  It was truly a blessing to ride alongside this man.  In keeping the military and cowboy tradition, Dennis was proud to be a part of this rural community and he made it his HOME.  His roots will forever run deep here.

His memorial contributions will commemorate his love for animals and his love for family - the Hays Humane Society of the High Plains and Troop #101 - which his 3 grandsons are active in, both of Hays, KS.

Dennis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira and Ella Johnson and Cowden and Lizzie Moore; daughter, Suzanne Rumbaugh; father, Jack E. Rumbaugh; granddaughter, Kelsie LaRue Christensen; mother, Eileen Rumbaugh; and great uncle, Loyd P Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Rumbaugh, of the home, Phillipsburg; 3 children: Jennie Christensen of Phillipsburg & son, Eric Christensen of Hays, and Jennie's fiancé, Laren Schuster; Bruce Rumbaugh & wife, Shawnda and 3 sons:  Rance, Callen, and Daniel of Hays; Hollie Kendall and husband, Dustin and family of Logan; brother-in-law,  Robin Wilson of Hays (whom he raised as a son) and his 3 children:  Michael and Jerremy Wilson of Baton Rouge, LA and daughter, Shannon of Marion, KS;  a step brother, Dennis J. Dirksen, Hendersen NV; step sister, Dorene Robinson of Minden, NV; and step sister, Donna Warren of Peterson, IA;  as well as numerous 1 ^st and 2nd cousins, whom he held very dear.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service was held Friday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Kyle Ermoian officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or Boy Scout Troop 101.