Dennis was born in 1949 in Santa Paula, California. He was the eldest of two brothers and a sister. He moved to Santa Maria at the age of 10 years old. He was raised in the Church of Christ all of his life.

He met his now wife, Karen, on a blind date. They married in 1970 at the Foster Road Church of Christ and have two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

He was a custom woodworker and could make about anything you wanted out of wood. He has since retired and has a wood shop at his home. He enjoys target shooting , music, and eating, especially steak and lobster.

He is an active member of the Foster Road Church of Christ. Dennis was involved in the Joy Bus ministry , taught the high school Sunday class for many years. He has been an elder for over 20 years. His goal is to reach out to the community and share the gospel of Christ.