Dennis Eads

Dennis R. Eads 7/4/43 – 11/18/22

Denny passed away peacefully at 2:43 am on 11/18/22 surrounded by his family. Denny had a passion for the outdoors including landscaping his yard, camping, fishing, golfing and playing slow pitch softball for the “Green Team.” He had a great love for music of all kinds and listened to some sort of music almost every day of his life.  Denny loved animals and you could tell by the way every dog he ever met was drawn to him.

Denny worked for Southwestern Bell for years as a Systems Technician and that is where he met the love of his life Darleen. Denny loved Darleen and his daughters so much. He doted on them any chance he had.

Denny was very involved in the Boy Scouts in his youth and the Cleveland High School Alumni Association, Patriot Guard and his FAB (Friends are Blessings) friend group for years until he became too ill to participate. His creativeness and willingness to go above and beyond in all aspects of life allowed him to grow in many lifelong friendships within these groups and beyond.

Denny was a true patriot, being born on the fourth of July, he loved his country and was a proud American. He was a SSGT in the Air National Guard of Missouri and the Reserve of the United States Air Force. He served as a Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard of Missouri and was involved in many volunteer opportunities while with the Patriot Guard. 

Denny was a humorous person and even on his dying day was joking around with his family and the hospital staff. “Showbusiness is my Life” was one of his taglines as he loved to make others laugh and smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Josephine (Rodewalt) Eads, and Granddaughter, Sydney Grace Kahle. He is survived by his wife Darleen (Herr) Eads, and his daughters Angela Kahle (Shane Haddox) and Erin Eads and his grandsons Camden Kahle and Jase Kahle.

“If you don’t like it, rewrite it.” Denny Eads, November 17, 2022, several hours before his last breath.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
The Gary Sinise Foundation
St Jude Children’s Hospital

Please join us for a Celebration of Denny’s Life:
December 17 th at 11am (Memorial service)
Royale Orleans
2801 Telegraph Road
St Louis, MO 63129

19 Comments

  1. Sharon McGuire, PGR Treasurer on November 22, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    I remember meeting Denny a few years back. I found him to be a warm and caring gentleman, even though he was struggling with his health. Yet he didn’t complain; in fact, he always had a smile on his face and a way to make people laugh. I didn’t know him well or see him anymore, but many of the PGR members always spoke highly of him. It’s sad to know that he is no longer with you, or his PGR family, but God has called him home. He suffered enough but never let on. I pray you find comfort and strength in the days ahead and that your memories will be only great ones filled with laughter and love. My condolences to the family and may Denny rest in peace.



  2. Bobby Breuer on November 23, 2022 at 11:47 am

    Darlene and family I am sorry for your loss and ask God’s comfort and blessings for you all.



  3. Richard Warren on November 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Denny will be missed by many of us in the PGR. May God watch over you and family during this difficult time.



  4. Jimmy Chase on November 23, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    Denny was Ride Captain for My first Mission. Also many many more. What a Tremendous Guy! Total Respect for the Man. So sorry for the Familys loss!!



  5. John Faul on November 23, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    In the difficult days ahead do not let your heart be trouble you faith will keep you strong. Cherish the memories God Bless.



  6. Anne-Marie Gibson on November 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    What a man, better still… what a human being! I first met Denny back in early 2011, at a P.G.R. mission for a soldier who was K.I.A. in Afghanistan. Missouri, Illinois… it didn’t matter, because he was there. Selfless; which we should ALL be. I am honored to have known him and stood with him, while holding our nation’s flag. God bless him WELL, as He did on Earth. He will not be forgotten. I pray that God grants Darleen and the family with strength, patience, comfort and, most of all… love to wrap them in, as they head down this road.



  7. Dan (Top) Parnell on November 23, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    The Dutchman was the best representative of the Patriot Guard Riders I ever met. He always put the Veterans and their families first. He will continue to ride with me in my heart on every mission. God bless you Denny and my sincere condolences to his family.



  8. Hylton on November 23, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    Denny was such a sweet and kind man. He loved his family, his friends and our country so much. He is with our Lord, and out of pain. Darleen, you, Angie, Erin and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you now and always!! Love you!!🙏❤️
    Bob Ackermann
    Carl and Donna



  9. Elaine Edwards on November 23, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    Denny was one of the most receptive and sweetest people I have met in the PGR always welcomed you with a hug and a smile. I was so proud to learn I was inheriting his flags when I became flag support. I have always to tried to follow in your footsteps even though they can never be filled
    Love and Prayers



  10. Rob and Lynda Ackermann on November 23, 2022 at 6:01 pm

    Darleen and girls.
    We were so saddened to hear of Denny’s passing, but will always remember what a great friend and person he was. He was always willing to help out when anyone needed him and his love for his friends and family were second to none. We are grateful to have our memories of Denny and know that he is with our lord.



  11. daniel tadrick on November 23, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    We miss Denny a lot. It was always a highlight of the day to shake his hand at any mission. Everyone in the PGR feels the void he has left. When he stood with Jesus and looked on at his life review. Everyone there had a great smile, seeing all the wonderful things he did and all the positive influences he had on everyone he met. May God take your family in his arms and let you all see how happy he is with Jesus.



  12. Darrell and Linda Garcia on November 23, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    Denny will be greatly missed. A great brother-in- law, great husband and father. We will miss you at our family gatherings. You were the best cook. You could talk about anything. May the Lord bless Darleen, Angie and Erin. May He give them strength through this sad time. I know you are pain free now and can breathe without carrying around your oxygen. Until we all meet again.
    Love, Darrell, Linda



  13. Dave and Judy Busso on November 23, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    So saddened with Den’s passing but so grateful that he is released from his health burdens. We were blessed to have known him for 42 years. We worked, laughed, played, sang silly songs, camped, played ball and prayed with each other for all of those years. Until we meet again….
    Dave and Judy Busso



  14. Tim "Short Stack", Sarah "Dr. Squirrely" and Matthew Lamb on November 24, 2022 at 1:11 am

    We are saddened to hear of Denny’s passing, he was truly a great man. There wasn’t a dull moment when around him, he always had a wise crack or joke to lighten the mood and make people smile. Denny was one of the many guy’s from the St. Louis
    PGR who came to our aide when our house burnt, let alone checked in on us after our serious car accident. And for that , we just couldn’t thank him enough.

    Heaven gained another true patriot. I know you’re up there now with Rainmaker, ElRod, Bugsy and Mrs. Judy catching up.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Darleen, his children and his grandchildren.



  15. Linda Gates Johnson on November 24, 2022 at 11:32 am

    Darlene: So sorry for the loss of your dear husband. But, he will always be with you. I read the beautiful tributes above. God bless you and your family. Linda Gates Johnson, Yorktown, Virginia



  16. Phyllis Freund on November 24, 2022 at 6:20 pm

    What a wonderful obituary for a fabulous guy.
    Much love and God bless Den’s family.



  17. Diann Graysen on November 24, 2022 at 10:20 pm

    I met Dennis in 1968 and he was one of the few nice guys in the world as well as always bringing laughter to every gathering. My condolences and love to Darleen and their family. XOXOX Diann



  18. Suzanne Malone on November 29, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    Dearest Darlene, Angie, Erin, and all,
    I was so sad to hear of Denny’s passing, but know he is pain free and “Riding that Highway in the Sky”. What a wonderful man we were all so bessed to have known. My sincerest condolence. I wish you strength and God’s guidance for the dark days ahead. Love to you all. Suzanne



  19. VA Voluntary Service Staff on November 30, 2022 at 9:01 am

    We at the VA St. Louis Health Care System volunteer office are saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. He and his Cleveland alumni and patriot guard riders would assist with events here at the medical center. Most notably they always helped with our inpatient holiday luncheon. He will be deeply missed, a true patriot indeed.



Leave a Comment