U.S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran

Published in the October 4, 2018 edition

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Herbert Lane Dennison Jr., 84, Master Sergeant, USAF (RET), passed away peacefully at home in Idaho Falls, on September 26, 2018.  

He was born July 27, 1934 in Weymouth, Mass. to Herbert L. and Katherine E. Dennison.  A resident of Idaho Falls for three years, he previously lived in the Sacramento, Calif. area for 40 years.  

He grew up in Weymouth, Mass.; Bath, Maine; Roxbury, Mass. and North Reading, Mass. He attended Reading High School in Reading, Mass.  

A 26-year United States Air Force veteran, he enlisted in 1953 and faithfully served his country until November 30, 1979. He attended Basic Training at Sampson AFB, N.Y. in May 1953 and his subsequent duty stations were Keesler AFB, Miss.; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.; Point Barrow, Alaska; March AFB, Calif.; Kelly AFB, Texas; Bremerhaven, Germany; Kelly AFB, Texas; Frankfurt/Rhein Main AB, Germany; Ellington AFB, Texas; Da Nang AB, Vietnam; Wiesbaden AB, Germany; Hurlburt Field/Eglin AFB, Fla.; and McClellan AFB, Calif. During his time in the Air Force he served as a Morse Intercept Operator, Radio Communications Analysis/Security Technician and Air Operations Superintendent.  

A veteran of the Vietnam War, his military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Army Good Conduct Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.  

A loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he was a gentle man who treated everyone around him with the utmost respect. His love and devotion to his late wife was unmatched. His passions included country music, aviation, flight simulation and trains.  

He is survived by his sons, Bob (Pauline), Randy (Tammy), Bud, Jeff; daughter, Carrie (Jim) Madden; grandchildren, Eranda Noa (Pat), Joey (Brandie), Chris (Sarai), Allie Madden; great-grandchildren, Joshua Noa, Kite Noa and Camden Dennison. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patricia Dennison, and his granddaughter, MacKenzie Madden.  

Burial will be held at a later date in a private ceremony at Sacramento Valley Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Dixon, California.

Though all who knew him will sadly miss him, we know that he is at peace and is reunited with his wife, parents and granddaughter. Dad, we love you and thank you for a wonderful life.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Utah State University Mackenzie Madden Memorial Scholarship at https://www.usu.edu/advancement/madden/  

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.