Donald Edward Dennis

May 6, 1945 – November 17, 2024

Donald Edward Dennis, age 79, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away with the sunrise on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at his home in Summerlin, Nevada.

Don was born on May 6, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walt and Betty Dennis. Raised in a Catholic household, he attended Catholic schools all his years until college and once felt a calling to the priesthood. His childhood was marked by his love of sports, playing hockey (and famously losing a front tooth) and football.

He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in economics and went on to earn a master's degree in finance. Don enjoyed a long and successful career in finance before finding his true calling as a serial entrepreneur, founding and nurturing numerous ventures.

Two of Don’s greatest passions in life were tennis and traveling the world. A devoted tennis player for decades, he competed regularly and earned a spot in the USTA National Finals in his 70s. Alongside his wife Candace, Don embarked on countless cruises, exploring the far corners of the globe and experiencing the beauty of new cultures and destinations.

On December 15, 1984, Don married Candace in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, they blended two families and built a household full of love, laughter, and adventure. Don’s fierce loyalty and perpetual dry humor made him a cherished friend to many. He was always quick with a witty joke or an insightful observation that brought levity to any situation.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Candace Dennis, and his blended family, including:

Daughter: Tracy Statham, son-in-law Steven Statham, granddaughter Brook Chappelear, grandson-in-law Beau Chappelear, and great-grandson Noah Chappelear.

Son: David Dennis, daughter-in-law Jennifer Dennis, granddaughter Hannah Dennis, and grandson Nash Dennis.

Daughter: Kara Scroggs, son-in-law Jon Scroggs, granddaughters Maggie Scroggs and Anna Lee Scroggs, and grandson Grant Scroggs.

Daughter: Alyssa Smith, son-in-law Drew Smith, grandsons Charlie Smith, Connor Smith, and Hudson Smith.

Stepdaughter: Jacqueline Halbleib, stepson-in-law Patrick Halbleib, step-granddaughter Morgan Cox, and step-grandson-in-law Steven Cox.

Stepson: Craig Morgan, stepdaughter-in-law Angie Morgan, and step-granddaughters Ellie Morgan and Katie Morgan.

Don is also survived by his younger brother Patrick Dennis (wife Donna Dennis), nephew Daniel Dennis, and niece Bridget Dennis. He is predeceased by his older brother Thomas Dennis. He is survived by his former sister-in-law, Karen Dennis, and his nephews, Thomas Dennis Jr. and Michael Dennis.

A man of faith, Don received his Last Rites on November 15, 2024, from Father Mike of the Catholic Church. His family is relieved and absolutely certain that he is now with Jesus (he left with him in a van), which was perhaps his best and funniest gift of a joke, which he somehow managed to send to us in the most difficult of circumstances.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hope Church Las Vegas, 850 E. Cactus Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89183.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to a cause close to his heart.

Don lived a life full of love, humor, and adventure. He was a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose impact will be felt for generations.