Dennis P. Browning

Dennis was born in Highland, Illinois to John Lloyd and Doris Browning, nee Hall, in January 1948, and raised in Troy, Illinois by his great-aunt and uncle, Bertha “Bert” and Henry “Bud” Dettmar.

After graduating high school, Dennis briefly attended McKendree College and Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, before beginning work as a computer programmer at First National Bank, then at Stifel Nicolaus, followed by Vestal Laboratories, and later at Bausch & Lomb, all in St. Louis, Missouri, before retiring in 2005 following a stroke.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Dennis was an Adams School of Dance “dance dad” and his daughter’s number one fan as he chauffeured and shuttled her between dance lessons, recitals, and competitions. He also enjoyed “old-style” computer war games, movies, genealogy, Drum Corp International (DCI), and Cardinals baseball. He was extremely personable, never met a stranger, loved to laugh, and had a huge, kind, and generous heart.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Rodney) Haas, of Springfield, Illinois; his grandson, Conrad Haas, of Springfield, Illinois; his close friend and former wife, Janet Keck of Fairview Heights, Illinois; close family friends: John Keck, Lauren Keck, and Jackie Keck, all of Belleville, Illinois; and multiple additional friends and family.

His family would like to thank Lance Foley and the team of home health care workers at Community Care in Springfield, Illinois for their assistance and care over the past fifteen years; without your care and commitment, Dennis would not have been able to live independently, and for that, we are forever grateful. His family would also thank the physicians, nurses, therapists, and care team at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield for their care, treatment, compassion, and support over the past several weeks.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life was delayed. The celebration of life will take place on February 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Weingarten, 1780 E. State Rt 15, Belleville, IL. The evening will include a memorial tribute, dinner, and drinks.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois.