Dennis Van Fleet

Dennis Lee Van Fleet, 70, of Waverly, died Saturday afternoon in the Inpatient Hospice Unit in Dunmore, with his soulmate of more than 22 years, Shirley Rosencrance, by his side as his long courageous journey ended quietly.

Dennis and his walks and treats will be sadly missed by his buddy, "Hambone," and his furry feline friend, "Patches."

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Willard Steven and Irene Louisa Van Fleet.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed with the Waverly Community House, and earlier was a purchasing agent for Kendall-Colgate. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business and economics from Bethel College.Dennis was a dedicated member and usher of the Waverly United Methodist Church and the Abington Memorial Post 7069 in Clarks Summit.

He was an Army veteran in the selective service, serving in Turkey, where he received the good conduct and national defense service medals, as well as a certified marksman.

Surviving are a son, Troy Van Fleet and his wife, Sheila, Tennessee; daughter, Lee Anna Copeland and her husband, Benji, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, TJ Van Fleet and his wife, Andrea; Tyler and Courtney Van Fleet and Chance, Connor, DJ and Brooklyn Copeland, and his joy, Trey, his first great grandson, all of whom made the journey in to share and laugh with Dennis over the holidays, prior to his death.

Also surviving is a sister, Marilyn Cresswell and her husband, Bill; a nephew Scott Cresswell and wife Cady, nieces Cindi Steve and her husband Craig, Kelli Stoudnour and her husband Eric, Tami Bradican and Dawn Berkley, and husband Tom; great-nephews, Alec and Gavin Bradican, James and Ned Berkley, Geoff and Brian Cresswell, Eric and Alex Steve, Hunter Stoudnour; great nieces Kendall Cresswell, Lizzy, Maddie, and Cate Huggler and Taylor Stoudnour; a sister-in-law, Cathy Van Fleet; extended children, Pat Cockerill and her husband, Jim; Nancy Neumann and her husband, John; Stan Phillips and companion, Shannon Reynolds; and Lynn Rother and her husband, Carl; 10 extended grandchildren; and 15 extended great-grandchildren, all of whom always brought joy and sunshine into his days.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Dale Van Fleet; and a nephew, Todd Van Fleet.

Dennis's family would like to recognize the compassionate care of Chris, RN of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. from the Waverly United Methodist Church, 105 Church St., Waverly, with services by the Rev. Barbara Snyder, pastor. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waverly United Methodist Church, 105 Church St., Waverly, PA 18471, or the Abington Memorial Post 7069, 402 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, as he recognized the courage and sacrifice of his fellow service members.