Dennis Allan McKenney

Dennis was born May 4, 1938, in Bozeman, Montana, to Donald McKenney and Lula (Jordan) McKenney. He grew up in various places in Montana alongside his brothers Donald, Wallace, Larry, and Al, and his sister Eileen. In the fall of 1956 Dennis met Leora Herbst, and they were married June 21, 1957, in Salmon, Idaho. Leora was the love of his life for 59 years, until her death on May 1, 2017.

Dennis served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962 as an aircraft control & warning operator. After his service, Dennis and Leora both worked on the Minuteman Missile Project near Knob Noster, Missouri, where Dennis served as a security guard holding a secret clearance. For the next several years San Diego, California was home, where Dennis worked as a welder and machinist, including several years with Buck Knives, Inc. In April 1971 the couple moved back “home” to Montana, settling in Anaconda, where they built a home on Foster Creek that remained Dennis's home for the rest of his years.

Beginning in 1978, Dennis and Leora spent more than 20 years as owner/operators of a specialized heavy haul trucking business, with Leora sharing the driving and later piloting escort for oversized loads.

Dennis could fix anything and loved being outdoors, riding motorcycles, hiking, camping and picnicking.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Leora; his parents, Donald and Lula McKenney; and his brothers Donald, Wallace, and Larry, and half-brother Raymond Jordan. He is survived by his sister, Eileen Dobrinen (Fred), and his brother, Al McKenney (Camilla).

A private graveside ceremony will be held at New Hill Cemetery. Dennis will be laid to rest next to his wife, Leora. 

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Dennis and his family.