Dennis Eby

Dennis Eby grew up during the conflicting times of the 60s and 70s, and went on to receive numerous commendations and awards for his selfless efforts as a young man. He knew times of great joy, and came to know heart wrenching days of sadness. Through it all, Dennis kept his focus on the family he loved and the hope of bright tomorrows. He was content with his life and filled each new day growing closer to those he held close to his heart all while enjoying all that life had to offer.

Born on September 29, 1967 in Kankakee, Illinois, Dennis was the son of Mary Eby who supported her young son while working for Shapiro Development. A time of social, political and racial uprisings made headlines, and the Vietnam War caused many to march on the steps of state capitols in anti-war protests. The conservative nature of the early sixties gave way to new thinking as youth dominated the decade.

Even in the midst of these ever changing times, Dennis enjoyed a typical childhood filled with friends, adventures and fun. Together he and his mother continued to make their home in the community of Bradley where Dennis was very involved in scouting with Troop 319. He acquired the level of Eagle Scout while attending the local schools and acheived the 50 mile hike award at the Ozark Shawnee National Forest. In high school he drove a blue Trans Am and often raced his brother, Jim's Camaro. Dennis went on to graduate from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School with his sights set on the military.

One of Dennis' dreams was to serve his country and in 1985, he entered the U.S. Army. He had specialized training at an Air Assault and Airborne School and soon received his first orders to work with the Army Field Artillery Division with the 101st Airborne. Realizing he truly enjoyed the military, Dennis decided to make it his career and proudly served as a Sergeant 1st Class throughout most of his career. His main focus was working within infantry units, however, his specialty was in communications. His unit was stationed in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom and he also served in Bosnia with 101st Airborne, as well.

In time, Dennis went on to become the top military recruiter in the state which earned him the coveted Gold Ring Recruiters Award which ordinarily takes five years to achieve. Throughout his service, he received multiple awards and recognitions, various Army commendation and achievement awards, multiple decorated Good Conduct Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal. During this time he celebrated the birth of his son, Josh in 1991, followed by daughter, Jasmine in 1995 and Kaitlyn, the youngest, completed his family in 1996.

Dennis enjoyed many things in life, like driving the open road in his 1997 white pick-up truck or spending time with his beloved dogs, Haley and Bella. He absolutely loved the outdoors, especially the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers, and spent much time at the Danforth Sportsman's Club where he was a longstanding member. A 50 mile hike in the Ozark Shawnee National Forest even earned him a special hiking award. He was a big Chicago Bears fan and loved getting together with friends to watch their games.

Dennis found love for the first time when he met and married a young lady named Britton in 1990. Although their marriage didn't last they stayed close friends throughout his life. Dennis then met Kimberly Hancock in 1994 and they sealed their love in marriage on March 5, 1997. To Dennis, nothing was more important than his family and many good friends. His thoughtful ways never missed an anniversary or birthday of those who meant so much to him, and he always remembered to acknowledge these special days in one way or another. As for his family, they meant everything to him and he loved spending time with them, especially decorating the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving Day each year.

Shooting was one of Dennis' more recent passions, and he just began acquiring guns for his collection. He enjoyed spending time on the computer, and when it came to television, he preferred action and war movies, but whether on TV or at the theater, he loved them all. The quiet solitude found fishing alone or together with a few friends was always a good time for Dennis, along with a cold Heineken beer or at times, a shot of Jack Daniels for good measure.

This past July, Dennis began living with his son, Josh. This time together allowed father and son to build a strong bond which was very special to both of them, especially Josh. They had great times together, and remembering the bat ride home followed by bat attacks in their house will be a lasting memory never to be forgotten. During the last few months, Dennis' relationship with his daughter, Jasmine became ever stronger as well. His other daughter, Kaitlyn forever remained his tater-tot and shark bait as he often called her and he would often ask her "whose beautiful?" But everyone knew that she was his baby girl.

Through times of war, and times of conflict, Dennis Eby served with a proud and grateful heart. In his lifetime, he came to know that life can bring overwhelming joy, and bittersweet sadness, but above all, he knew the love of family that never changed. At the young age of 44, Dennis, of Crescent City, was tragically killed in a car accident and passed away Friday, December 9, 2011. Gone too soon but never to be forgotten, he will be deeply missed.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Kimberly of Yorkville: son, Josh Eby of Crescent City; daughters: Jasmine Eby of Dixmoor and Kaitlyn Eby of Yorkville; his mother, Mary Eby of Kankakee; mother-in-law, Lois (Roger) Schultz of Kankakee; foster parents, James and JoAnn McCurry of Bradley; and brother, Jim (Aimee) McCurry of Danforth; special friends, Jim and Vickie Dotson of Clarksville, TN; aunt Sandy Eby of Bourbonnais; his first wife, Britton Eby of Bourbonnais; aunt and uncle, John and Debbie Badalamenti of Coral Springs, FL, aunt Connie Markward of Coral Springs, FL, goddaughter, Sabrina Sthay of Canton, GA, aunt Diana Williams of Fullerton, CA, aunt and uncle, Mary Lee and Phillip Eby and aunt Ruth Osterloh, both of NC, uncle John Eby of Joliet; many cousins, nieces and nephews; special friends and comrades: 1st Sergeant, Ernest Simpson of CA, 1st Sergeant, Ronald Apholtz of FL, 1st Sergeant, Donald Hogan of AK and Sergeant David Williams of IA. Dennis was preceded in death by his uncles: Paul Eby and David Eby; grandparents, Woodrow and Grace (Busha) Eby, and childhood friend, Joe Haug Jr. He was also preceded in death by his comrades, the fallen soldiers of war.

Gathering time for family and friends will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 4-8 PM. A celebration of Dennis’ life funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 10:00 AM at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home, 1900 W. Court St., Kankakee, IL. The Rev. Don McDonald will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow the services at Mount Airy Cemetery in Momence, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the family’s wishes. Please visit schrefflerfuneralhomes.com to leave a memory of Dennis and to sign his online gust book.