Obit: McMahan, Denis (1938 - 2017)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: McMahan, Smack, Wilson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/19/2017

McMahan, Denis (5 July 1938 – February 2017) With Flag

In the wake of the anniversary death of Denis McMahan on Feb. 29, 2016, we remember the great man that was gone too soon. He was born July 5, 1938, in the Arbor Vitae area of Wisconsin. He was born of a large family. Tragically his father, Mr. Smack, died and left a farm and young family behind. Denis and one brother were removed to lessen the hardships, then later adopted by loving parents. Alice and Norman McMahan lived with Denis in Canada and parts of the west coast. Denis graduated from high school in 1957 and served in the U.S. Air Force. His 20-year career ended as a Tech Sergeant in 1979, after serving in Pakistan and Vietnam as a PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory).

He had two children, Denise Wilson, and Michael McMahan. He lived life to the fullest and was known to his friends as “Mac,” and Grumpus/Grandpa D. by grandchildren. Denis loved to travel and learn different cultures. His interests were of great variety, including an active member of Disabled American Veterans, woodworking, inventing, and birds. Hobbies were collecting coins and genealogy. Genealogy brought him back to his roots where his last 16 years he called home, Chili, WI. He reunited with siblings and just spread more love. He enjoyed darts, pool, hanging out telling stories, the four seasons, wildlife, getting tan and gardening around what he called, “Crazy Acre.”

He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Ivan (deceased Marine in Afghanistan), Jackie, Nathaniel, Christopher, Mitchell, and step-grandchildren Janaye, Jacob and Julian.

Denis left his mark wherever he traveled in his life and as Mac would say, “It’s not the quantity of life, but the quality.”

He is greatly missed.