Dennis was born on Jan, 20, 1946 in Monmouth, IL to Virgil and Catherine Nelson. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Sue (Tomlin), daughters Andrea (Dave) Nestor of Geneva, IL, and Christa (Lou) Druce-Hoffman of Ft. Worth, TX. Grandchildren Erin, Christopher and David McCauley, Lucas and Erica Druce-Hoffman and Kaylee (Levi) Draper and great-grandchildren Tatum and Tripp Burns, sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and three sisters.
Dennis will be remembered mostly as a football official of thirty years the highlight being chosen as a replacement NFL official during the strike 2001. He was an outstanding high school athlete and avid golfer.
A celebration of his life will be held in January of 2022 in Clearwater, FL. Donations in his memory may be made to the Sky Crest United Methodist Church at 2045 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765 or www.skycrest.net
