SSG (Ret.) Bruce Edgar Dennick Jr.

Bruce Edgar Dennick, Jr., son of Bruce Edgar Dennick, Sr. and Bonnie Lee (Barney) Dennick Hartzog, was born October 14, 1965 in Washington, Pennsylvania where he grew up and graduated from high school. Shortly after graduation, Bruce entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully for 22 years before retiring and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. For his faithful service, Bruce earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal 2/ Bronze Service Stars (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Meal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), KU-LB-MDL (Saudi Arabia), KUP-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge, Leadership Development Course, and Sapper Leader Course. Bruce retired at Fort Leonard Wood on March 31, 2006. On May 17, 1986, Bruce was united in marriage to Cristal Karlene Gordon in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 35 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Brandon, Brittany, and Brook. Bruce furthered his education during his time in the military and concluded after retiring from the military and earned a dual Master’s Degree. He also continued to serve his country as a civil service employee for several years. In his spare time, Bruce enjoyed watching football, going to the VFW, camping, and being on the water. But most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends, but especially the grandchildren. Bruce was also a jokester and loved making people laugh. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. Bruce passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, in Cox Medical Center, South in Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 56 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Cristal Dennick; three children, Brandon Dennick (Megan) of Waynesville, MO, Brittany Dennick of Waynesville, MO, and Brook Ellzey (Daniel) of Paris, MO; eight grandchildren; his mother and step-father, Bonnie and Tom Hartzog, Jr. of Washington, PA; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jessie and Mary Gordon of Waynesville, MO; his grandfather, Big Tom Hartzog of Washington, PA; former daughter-in-law, Tiffany Dennick of Waynesville, MO; a very close friend, Sharon Brooks of Waynesville, MO; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by one brother: David Dennick; and grandparents: Steve and Gerri Barney, and Esther Hartzog. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery FLW in Waynesville, under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial Contributions in memory of Bruce Dennick may be left at the funeral home.

SSG (Ret.) Bruce Edgar Dennick Jr.

October 14, 1965 - October 23, 2021