Dennis Bolden

Dennis Ray Bolden, age 79, passed away August 12, 2025, at his home in Texarkana, AR.

Dennis, called Denny by his family, was born on October 2, 1945, to Walter Ivan and Thelma “Fern” (Ingram) Bolden in Cherryvale, KS., their youngest child of four. His older siblings, Bill, Barry and Sylvia had strong roles raising him. The entire family developed an outgoing, charming, confident and playful personality. The love of Jesus, gospel music, sweets and card playing was shared by them all.

Dennis graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1963 where he was Senior Class President and participated in band, choir and football. That year he placed second in the Kansas state male vocalist contest. He attended Coffeyville Community College majoring in music. He played tuba and was the choir director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Moving on to Kansas State College of Pittsburg (Pittsburg State University), he repaired televisions to help pay for tuition.

In 1965, Dennis was drafted into the Vietnam War but failed his physical due to a football knee injury. Later that year, he married Karen Waggoner and moved to Tulsa, OK, where he worked for Gulf Oil. Gulf moved him to New Orleans, then Jacksonville, AR, where he managed the shipping yard. Although his marriage to Karen was short, they had three children together. He left Gulf instead of moving to Houston, to stay close to his children and pursue his first love: Gospel Music.

Dennis was a gifted bass singer. He sang with several gospel quartets, including the Majestic Sound and the Mid South Boys. Weekends were spent traveling to perform at churches and auditoriums. A Mid South Boys European tour in 2007 was one of his many highlights. In 1975, he met Susan McJunkins at a performance and later married in 1976. This marriage added one more child and later a child of their own.

Singing and album sales did not pay all the bills. Dennis transitioned to a businessman owning several service stations and a used car lot in Malvern, AR. He loved cars and the deal making of the car business. In 1988, he moved to Texarkana, AR, opening a used car lot and a charter bus business before he retired in 2010.

Retirement years were spent with grandchildren, card games, gospel music, and rooting for Arkansas Razorbacks and Dallas Cowboys. He was known as Papa D to his grandchildren and all who met him were drawn to the kind, gentle man with a golden heart and a quick sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers William "Bill" Ivan Bolden and Barry Gene Bolden, and one sister Sylvia Lea Ross (Bolden).

Dennis is survived by his wife, Susan; sister-in-law, Stella Bolden; five children, Stephen Ray (Michelle) Bolden, Traci Diane (Chris) Beckwith, Christopher Todd (Lori) Bolden, Charles Stephen (Karen) Johnson, Jr. and Jonathan Drew (Cortney) Bolden; eleven grandchildren, Zachary Bolden, Sophia Bolden, Makenzie (Lars) Scheff, Conner Beckwith, Caleb Bolden, Klancy (Scotty) Barlow, Keely Johnson, Spencer Johnson, Eva Kathryn Johnson, Sarah Bolden, Catherine Alexis (Chris) Hancock and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Church on the Rock, 2301 University Ave, Texarkana, TX. Interment will follow at East Memorial Gardens, Texarkana, AR.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tri-State Cremation and Funeral Services.