Dennis R. Akana

Dennis R. Akana, age 74, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born on July 26, 1946 at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii to his parents Raymond and Lillian "Billie" Akana. Dennis was raised in Hau'ula and Ka'aawa, Hawaii with his older brother, Richard; and a younger sister, Sandy.

As a young child, Dennis showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. He enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests, playing football and basketball; and spending time with his friends. In high school, Dennis played basketball, surfed the waves in Hawaii, and skied. Dennis attended Kahuku High School.

Dennis was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1967. Through is hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal. In addition, He received recognition for his service which included: the National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea).

On June 6, 1970, Dennis exchanged wedding vows with Yulinda Joy Akui at the St. Patrick's Church of Honolulu, Hawaii. Together they were blessed with four sons: Joseph "Howard" Balera II, Dennis R. Akana Jr., Robert R. Akana, and Brian D. Akana; 11 grandchildren: Dennis R. Akana III, Billie-Jae Manoi, Chaeani and Elena Mauga-Akana, Robert Jr, Reice, and Skye Akana, Brianna, Britney, Brian II and Bristen Akana; and six great grandchildren: Jahzyden Akana, Kamelonu Nobriga, Kiarie Manoi, Liam James Manoi, Ayzten Laroco, and Ayzlenn Akana.

Dennis was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. His primary occupation was as a heavy equipment and machine operator. He was employed for 21 years by Operator Engineers Union.

Dennis enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He enjoyed taking road trips, building his '72 Chevelle, motorcycle riding, fixing cars, attending car shows, drag racing, yard work, and spending time with his family. Recreational sports included playing ping pong, jogging, weightlifting, and working out. Dennis was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching football, WWE, and car racing. Dennis was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had his dogs: Jake, Sparky, Coco; roosters, and horses.

Dennis retired in 2006. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada to travel and give his children better opportunities. Even in retirement, Dennis continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Dennis enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, remain active in his new community.

Dennis was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Dennis R. Akana.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Akana; mother, Lillian "Billie" Akana; and granddaughter , Chaeani Rae Mauga Akana. He is survived by his wife, Yulinda Akana; four sons: Joseph "Howard" Balera II, Dennis R. Akana Jr., Robert R. Akana (Olga), and Brian D. Akana (Kristen); brother, Richard Germano (Huanani); sister, Sandy Poche; 11 grandchildren: Dennis R. Akana III (Ashley Laroco), Billie-Jae Manoi (Kekoa "Kahale"), Elena Mauga-Akana, Robert Akana Jr. (Shelly Suniga), Reice and Skye M.J. Akana, Brianna, Britney, Brian II, and Bristen Akana; and six great grandchildren: Jahzyden Akana, Kamelonu Nobriga, Kiarie Manoi, Liam James Manoi, Ayzten Laroco, and Ayzlenn Akana.

A visitation for Dennis will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM, both at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. Dennis will be laid to rest with military honors at 12:00 PM at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Due to Covid-19, all government restrictions will be in place, limited to 40 people, and all guests in attendance will be required to wear a mask.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Akana family.