Dennis Nantz

Dennis Earl "Denny" Nantz, 63, passed away Monday, March 10, 2014 in Oklahoma. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Cross Timbers Church in Graham, and a family and friend provided reception will be held after the service in the dining area of the Church.

Denny was born August 6, 1950 in Graham to the late Colonel Glen Nantz and Dora Ann Emerson Nantz. Sharing a passion for horses with his father, Dennis spent much of his early life around them, helping train and also as a jockey. He rode bareback before entering the United States Army in 1970. Mr. Nantz spent the majority of his time stationed in Germany where he learned wireline work as a trade. After returning from the military he obtained a job with South Western Bell. He then met and married Paula Whitson, October 12, 1973 in Lawton, Oklahoma. They had their first daughter Deanna in 1974. At this time they resided at and managed Possum Hollow Camp for approximately three years where they welcomed their second daughter Tracey in 1978. Soon the family moved to Graham and lived here when Dennis took a job for Dresser Atlas Wireline, traveling much of the time for work. In the mid 1990's he traded careers taking a job as a millwright for CCC Groups where he retired in 2010. His greatest blessing and enjoyment occurred in 2007 when his best friend, Grandson Matthew was born, later adding grandson Marcus in 2013. Dennis and his wife were members of Abundant Life Church. Dennis was loved by so many but always had the largest place in his heart for children. Anyone that knew Him could testify to his ability and passion to connect to all children in a way that few people in this life are given the gift to. He strongly believed that children are precious to God, are a blessing, and are all full of potential. He would want us to remember that God makes it clear, through the Bible, that we are to love, respect and care for children. All that knew him felt this in his kind heart. He was a proud, honest and good man whose gift of spontaneous and many times unexpected sense of humor will be missed.

Survivors include; wife, Paula Nantz of Graham; daughters, Deanna Nantz and husband Steve Kowalick of Wichita Falls, Tracey Monrreal and husband Ventura of Graham; sisters, Glenda Adams, Dorothy Nantz, and Roseanne Johnson all of Graham; brothers, David Nantz of Graham, Steve Nantz of Wichita Falls, and Albert Nantz of Kemp; two grandsons, Matthew and Marcus Monrreal; also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And now you know the way to where I am going."