Dennis Warren Debord

Newport, Oregon - Dennis Warren DeBord was born December 7, 1949, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Kenneth and Lois (Whitlock) DeBord. The family moved to the Portland area and Dennis attended Jefferson High School for a time. He earned his GED, enlisted in the Army, and served in combat during the Vietnam War. When Dennis was released from the military, he returned home and married Phyllis Rost and claimed her five children as his own. When the kids were young, Dennis and Phyllis would load the kids up in the Toyota station wagon take them adventuring. Sometimes it was just up to Sand Lake to camp and fish, and other times they would travel to different states. They even took a trip to Hawaii with some of the adult grandchildren. Dennis was a scout leader for his son’s troop and enjoyed the time they spent together. Dennis was a jack of all trades and a hard worker. He held many different jobs and was willing to work hard at whatever he could, always making sure the bills were paid and his family was well taken care of. One of the jobs he truly enjoyed was driving bus for special needs kids. Dennis was very patient with the kids and would go above and beyond for them or their family. He was also quite the craftsman and woodworker. Dennis made a bedroom set for his daughter and remodeled the downstairs of their home into his "man-cave". Dennis was a very loving, sweet, kind, and generous man, always willing to do anything to help others. He was open to others and enjoyed socializing. Although he could be a bit stubborn at times, his tenacity also allowed him to accomplish anything he set his mind to. Dennis passed away on July 26, 2019, in Albany, Oregon. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by the family that he leaves behind. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, his daughters Mary Harrison and Vanessa Walker, and granddaughter Tiffany Nichols. He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Phyllis; children Doris Walker, Kelly Walker, and Karen Johnson; sister Jannis Hone; 15 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. In honor of his service to his country, Dennis will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. No services are scheduled as the family will hold a private gathering at a later date. At the request of family, please do not send flowers.