Dennis Earl Mink's Obituary
Dennis Earl Mink age 62 of Dallas, Texas went to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ on November 21, 2018. He was born on May 25, 1956 in Tyler, Texas to Elmer Roe Mink and Dorothy Louise Wills Mink.Dennis is survived by his wife of 41 years, Gale Mink, his son Jason Mink, his daughter Jessica Clouse and son-in-law Gary Clouse, grandchildren Nathan and Katherine Clouse, sister Sue Lawrence, his nieces and nephews and many dear friends.Funeral services for Dennis are scheduled on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:00 am at Restland’s Memorial Chapel with visitation being held a day prior at Restland Funeral Home Wednesday, November 28,2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:00pm.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.As a young boy, Dennis spent much of his time fishing, playing guitar, and staying with his older sister, Sue and her husband, Robert, who he considered his role models.Dennis worked hard from a young age. From as young as he could remember, he picked watermelons at his uncle’s farm. At the age of 13, he began working as a bus boy to support himself and his mother after his father passed away. His tough work ethic continued throughout his life.At the age of 16, Dennis met the love of his life, Gale Blakely, at the local burger joint. Both graduated from John Tyler High School and then were married on September 9, 1977. They moved to Dallas to establish their home and were blessed with their children Jessica and Jason. Dennis loved his family. He was dedicated to his wife through all of life’s ups and downs. He was a hands on dad and was happy to be involved in every aspect of his childrens’ lives. He worked up to three jobs at a time so that Gale could stay home to raise the children, but not once did he miss a school program, piano recital, taekwondo belt ceremony, or sports event. He was so proud of any small achievement and always quick to extend mercy for even the biggest failures. Always the playful, hands-on Granddaddy, his grandchildren Nathan and Katie were the apple of his eye and the love was mutual. Dennis was 4 year old Nathan’s best friend and favorite person.After graduating from Tyler Junior College in 1979 he began his career, which he considered his life’s calling, as a Respiratory Therapist at Medical City Hospital in Dallas. In 1982 he started his 36 year tenure with Doctor’s Hospital where he advanced to lead the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. In 2001, he was one of five individuals acknowledged by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council for outstanding quality of healthcare. In 2008, his department was recognized by Tenet Corporation, and one year later, in 2009, he was honored as an Employee of the Year by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council and Research Foundation.An avid guitar player from a young age, he began playing rock and roll. When he was in his late 20s, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior due to the persistent witness of his brother Roe Jr. He stepped away from music for a time in an attempt to search for a way to serve the Lord, but soon found a way to use the guitar as a tool for ministry. This ministry afforded him the opportunity to spread the word to his community and even to the other side of the world.Dennis was the embodiment of servanthood and love. He would gladly talk for hours with family and friends in need of a listening ear or a word of advice. Known for his uncommon dedication to his patients, he took a personal interest in each individual, taking as long as needed toexplain procedures to them and their families in order to ease their anxieties, and visiting them at home and purchasing groceries for patients in need, even up to his last act on this earth.Dennis was an encourager, always positive, full of hope, and uplifting. He loved to share the gospel with others and took every opportunity to share the love of Christ with people he met. He accepted people for who they were, never judging. He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and of the true freedom that Christ brings even here in this fallen world.We grieve with hope, knowing he is experiencing unimaginable joy, surrounded by loved ones who have gone before him, and greeted by his savior, Jesus with the words “Well done good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s happiness!”Funeral arrangements for Mr. Dennis Earl Mink have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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