Dennis Jean Vaden, 72, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Baylor Garland Hospital. His life was full of Joy, laughter, and music and he has now gone to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Dennis was born on January 21, 1945 in Arlington Virginia to Vernon Beverly Vaden and Ruth Rebecca Shrout Vaden. Dennis and his family moved to Texas as a child and lived in Fort Worth Texas. After Ruth passed away Vernon remarried and Alice Livingston Vaden joined the family. Alice lovingly raised Dennis as her own. His older sister is Beverly Ruth Vaden Turner. While attending North Texas State University Dennis met his wife Susan Parsons Vaden. They lived in Garland Texas as Dennis began teaching at South Garland High School, a position he would keep for 31 years.

During his 49 years of marriage Dennis raised his family, which included his three sons Paul David, Stephen Samuel, and Timothy Daniel. Paul married Jessica Ford, Stephen married Amanda Simons, and Timothy married Liqing Xiao. Dennis’s family extends to his 5 grandchildren Jett, Ezra, Lorelei, Jensen, and Iris.

Dennis’s passion was science. He was a teacher and student of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This was a lifelong endeavor for him as he continued to read and study the latest scientific research and discoveries. Anyone who began a conversation with him was sure to receive a lesson. This love of science and education lead to his desire to have his body donated to the UT Southwestern Medical School.

Dennis was a faithful member and active participant at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Garland Texas. Dennis and Susan were a fixture at their church. He served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Reader, as well as a singer in the church choir. He was also a member of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

Dennis filled his life with music. He loved to listen to all types of music and was a singer in the Richland Community College Choir. He was always eager to learn new music and looked forward to every chance he had to perform.

Dennis Jean Vaden had a full and rich life that he shared with his loving family. He had a unique charm about him. He will be missed by the many people who have come to know and love him.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1200 N. Shiloh Rd., Garland, TX 75042, in honor of Dennis Vaden. Funds will be passed along to scholarship funds at Richland College for students of Science and Music.

Services are planned at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Friday, Dec.8, 2017, at noon. Reception will follow the service.