Dennis Ray Rockett – Montgomery, TX

Dennis Ray Rockett, 74, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away Tuesday evening, November 17, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 4, 1946 in Mill Shoals, Illinois, the eldest son of James M. and Frieda (Leathers) Rockett.  Dennis grew up and enjoyed his childhood years in Springerton, Illinois.  He graduated with the class of 1964 from Enfield High School.  In October 1964 he married Mary Ann (Miller) Sands and three children were born from that union.  They were later divorced.  He later married Cheryle (Goodwin) Rockett who preceded him in death on May 14, 2004.

Dennis loved his work and he worked hard.  He believed in doing your very best at whatever task was before you.  He worked as a welder at Babcock and Wilcox in 1965 and later was promoted to inspector.  In the 70s he worked as a carpenter in the Carmi area, before once again taking employment with B&W in Ohio and later transferred to the Louisiana and Texas areas.  He was also a consultant for Shell Oil Co.

Dennis delighted in spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, board games, golf and watching NASCAR.

Dennis is survived by his beloved significant other, Coralie Cieslinski of Montgomery, Texas; daughter Tammy (Danny) Topham of Berwick, Louisiana; sons Jim (Tina) Rockett of Central City, Illinois; Jerry (Robin) Sullivan of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; Brad (Rosemary) Sullivan of Cave Creek, Arizona; grandchildren Sarah (Donald) DeHart and Emily (Cody) Istre of Bayou Vista, Louisiana; Brooke (Jamin) Stovall of Roanoke, Virginia; Katlyn (Seth) Madsen of Newburgh, Indiana; Lisa (Ryan) Tallman of Marion, Illinois; Allison Touchet of Kaplan, Louisiana; Madison (Noah) Carson of Collinsville, Illinois; Paris Valdez of Central City, Illinois; Joshua Sullivan of Eddyville, Kentucky; Dillon (Angie) Sullivan of Slidell, Louisiana; Johnathan Douglas “JD” Sullivan; and Ian Sullivan of Cave Creek, Arizona.  Great-grandchildren Ty, Elijah, Ellie DeHart; Riley Rockett; Davin Sullivan; Joshua, Madison, David and Colin Tallman; Robert Sullivan and Evangeline “Evie” LeBouef; brothers Kenny (Carmen) Rockett of Carmi, Illinois; David (Stephanie) Rockett of Elmhurst, Illinois; sisters Susie (Braden) Willis and Linda (Randy) Duckworth of Enfield, Illinois.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Cheryle, parents, grandparents and an infant daughter Kelli Denise.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 25th from 9-11 a.m. at the Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Enfield, Illinois, with funeral services at 11:00.  Burial will follow at Hammack Cemetery in Springerton, Illinois. Due to the national health crisis, mask are required and social distancing should be maintained. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.