He was born Oct. 8, 1935, in Denison, Texas, to Fredrick and Viola (Lovell) Dempsey. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and joined the Air Force in 1955 and served in Korea in 1955-56. While he was stationed in Amarillo, Texas, he married Geraldine Newton from Wapanucka in 1960. He served in Vietnam in 1969, and as flight engineer he logged over 12,000 hours. His medals include: the distinguished flying cross, air medal with three oak leaf clusters, meritous service medals, air force commendation medal with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam service medal with one silver star and three bronze stars, Vietnam gallantry cross and others.
He transferred to Altus in 1973 and trained air crews to fly C5's. He retired from the Air Force in March of 1983 as senior master sergeant and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 04876 of Altus. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Kenneth W. Dempsey of Altus, and Ronald D. Dempsey and wife, Rhonda, of Liberty, Mo.; one daughter, Tracey Lynn Dempsey of Altus; four grandchildren; four brothers; one brother-in-law; several nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online tributes may be made @ www.kincannonfuneralhome.com
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