Dennis Eugene Firestone died June 5, 2022, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dennis was born June 14, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri to Glenn and Neta Firestone. He attended Parkview High School and received his undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State). He received a Master’s in Education from Augustana College (SD) and a Specialist’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisville. Dennis served over 25 years as an armor officer in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1989. He was stationed twice in Germany and was an exchange officer with the 9/12 Royal Lancers British Regiment. His tour in Vietnam was with M Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He received a Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars with “V” for Valor for his heroic actions in battle. He served as Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea. His last assignment was as the Inspector General for the Kentucky National Guard. Whileserving in this role, he was awarded the prestigious honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. After retirement, Dennis focused on education and for the next 20 years served the youth of Kentucky and Alabama as an educator. He was a special education teacher in several middle schools and the principal of Pitt Academy, a school for special needs students in Louisville, Kentucky. Dennis was devoted to his family. He freely gave of his time as a volunteer for his church, his children’s sports and scouting programs, and anywhere else in the community where there was a need. Dennis was an avid golfer and sports fan. He traveled extensively with his wife, Paula, and enjoyed many adventures with her around the world before he passed. He was an Eagle Scout and this program instilled in him a sense of duty and obligation to always “Do Your Best” and help others. He was honored to see his son and grandson follow in his footsteps as Eagle Scouts. He is survived by Paula, his wife of 58 years; son Stephen of Virginia Beach; son Douglas of Greenwood, South Carolina; Roma Firestone of Virginia Beach; grandchildren Cade, Caroline, and Elle Firestone, of Virginia Beach; and his brother Ron (wife Martha) of Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Museum – United States Army at https://armyhistory.org/donate/ or via mail to P. O. Box 96281, Washington, D.C. 20090-6281. |