Mr. Dennis Emmet Henden, age 86, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away peacefully at his home on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on May 10, 1940, in Chester, South Dakota. In 1942, his family relocated to Compton, California, eventually settling in Ridgecrest while he was in junior high school. It was there that he spent most of his life and became a well-known and respected member of the community.

Dennis attended Burroughs High School, graduating with the Class of 1958. While in high school, he played football and basketball and was especially proud of helping the 1958 men's basketball team win a CIF Championship.

Following high school, Dennis proudly served his country as a Military Police officer in the United States Army from September 5, 1958, to August 24, 1961. After completing his military service, he returned to his beloved hometown, where he began his career as a draftsman for a local contractor supporting various weapons programs at China Lake. He was eventually recruited into Civil Service with the U.S. Navy at China Lake, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 1999.

Dennis was a man who truly enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time with family, attending church, fishing, hunting, playing pool, taking drives (anywhere and for any reason), and sharing good food with those he loved.

In his younger years, Dennis had a passion for basketball, often playing at the base gym during lunch with friends and colleagues. He also enjoyed playing softball on weekends with friends who shared his appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and the love and devotion he showed to his family, friends, and church.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Belinda Starr Henden; his daughter, Lauren Lorraine Lawrence; his son, Ole Emmet Henden; his daughter, Erica Renee Thomas; ten cherished grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his brother, Thomas A. Henden. His memory will also be treasured by numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Ole George Henden; his mother, Alice Mae Henden; his sisters, Mavis and Mary; his brother, David; and his beloved daughter, Kristin Denise Henden. Although their passing left an immeasurable void in his heart, he carried their love and memories with him throughout his life and is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Holland & Lyons Mortuary in Ridgecrest, California. Graveside services will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a memorial gathering at Desert Christian Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the DCC Fellowship Hall.

Services will be officiated by Pastor Victor Marcano.

Though he will be deeply missed, Dennis leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, unwavering faith, and love for God. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help purchase Palo Verde trees for Ridgecrest Cemetery, helping restore the beauty of the final resting place of so many.

Donations may be made through the Dennis Henden Memorial Palo Verde Trees Fundraiser: https://www.givesendgo.com/dennis-henden-memorial-palo-verde-trees