TORRINGTON – Funeral services for Dennis Lee Grubbs, 74, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Torrington. Burial with military honors will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Dennis died at home on March 30, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Arrangements are by the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Dennis was born Oct. 4, 1948, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Dorothy (Webb-Miller) and Lynn Grubbs. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1968. Dennis worked various jobs throughout high school and following graduation to help provide financial stability for his parents and siblings.
He enlisted in the US Army in1970, where he served in Vietnam for two years. While in the Army, he also served as Flight Operations Sergeant and managed the Flight Operations Section of an Air Cavalry Squadron. This position provided flight planning and flight tracking support for forty aviators and twenty-one aircraft. Additionally, he served as Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, Aviation Operations Specialist, and Tactical Transport Helicopter Repairer. Although humble about his military career, it was one of great success. Letters of Commendation describe Dennis as “a true professional soldier in every sense of the word,” “considered to be among the finest Non-Commissioned Officers in the United States Army” (as stated by Commander-Major, James Abell 1981). He received many military honors, including: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and many other distinguished awards.
Dennis married Thang Grubbs, and to this union they had three beloved boys: William (Bill), Anthony (Tony), and Tommy. Dennis was a wonderful and devoted father. He supported the boys throughout all aspects of their lives including their many accomplishments. He instilled confidence in his children, always telling them they could achieve anything they wanted to achieve. Raising the boys in a military family, as a single father, gave them the opportunity to live in many different places world-wide. For example, Dennis was stationed in Germany, Kentucky, Alabama, Hawaii and California, with the boys always by his side.
Upon retiring from the army in 1991-after serving his country for twenty-one years- Dennis and the boys returned “home” to Torrington, Wyoming, where he would become employed at the local Coast-to-Coast store. It was there where Dennis learned about bicycle assembly and repair. This knowledge and skill lead to the opening of DG’s Bike Shop, which remained in business until his recent illness. Dennis later became employed by the City of Torrington where he worked an additional twenty-five years, until his retirement in 2019. Dennis’ work ethic was unmatched, often working from sun-up to sun-down.
His blue twinkling eyes, gray hair and beard, along with his kind and gentle spirit, allowed Dennis serve as the perfect Santa Claus. For many years, Dennis spent the holiday season dressed as Santa, visiting children and adults at schools, daycares, businesses, care centers and homes.
One of Dennis’ most prized possessions was his 1969 Road Runner. Over the years he enjoyed participating in and hosting car shows, being part of the car club, and sharing his love for classic cars with his grandchildren and friends.
Dennis loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them attending family dinners and watching their sporting, school, and musical events. He was always there for them. Other hobbies included cooking, baking, collecting cookbooks, elk hunting and fishing. He was a member of the VFW.
Dennis will be remembered for his generous heart and willingness to make himself available to lend a helping hand to anyone who might need assistance. His smile and joking personality will be forever missed.
Family, friends and former co-workers are cordially invited to attend a luncheon reception following the funeral and graveside services at the Lincoln Center gymnasium.
