Dennis R. Major I, age 71, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Saturday evening, December 30, 2023, at his home.

     Dennis was born October 20, 1952, in Linton, Indiana, to Earl Lewis and Dorothy Joanne (McDaniel) Major.  He was united in marriage to Edna L. (Metz) Major on November 20, 1987, and together they have shared 36 wedding anniversaries.

     Dennis served in the United States Army from 1970 – 1975, spending time at Fort Hood, Texas.  He worked at many area factories, including North American Lighting, Sparton Manufacturing, Silgan, and KSH. He was a member of Flora American Legion Post 14 and the Flora VFW #3999.  He loved the outdoors, spending time fishing, hunting, and playing golf.  He could often be found working in his yard mowing or picking up sticks.  Dennis was a loving grandfather and enjoyed watching his grandkids play.  His philosophy was to do what made you happy every day, because if it makes you happy, the ones who love you will also be happy.

     Dennis is survived by his wife: Edna Major of Flora; children Melissa (Jeremy) Longest Clayton of Bloomfield Indiana, Travis Eugene (Dana) Major of Jasper, Indiana, Eric Jason (Rhonda) Major of Waterloo, Tricia Kay (Jonah) Burkett of Rinard, Dennis Ray II (Karen) Major of Beaumont, Texas, and Seth Adam Major of Flora; 14 grandchildren: Justice Clayton, Tamera Clayton, Angel Clayton, Samantha Jo Marie Major, Shayln Major, Charli Major, Tyler Major, Ashlynn Burkett, Annabelle Burkett, Baylee Burkett, Makayla Burkett, Hunter Burkett, Phoenix Major, and Creed Major; 7 great-grandchildren; brother: Terrance (Terry) Major (Diana Strutton) of Flora; sisters-in-law: Jean Aceves of Rinard, Donna (Chris) Leigh of Vincennes Indiana, Kathy (Richard) Valenzuela of Wheatland Indiana, and Sara (Chris) Wright of Rinard; brother-in-law: Robert Metz of Rinard; countless nieces and nephews; and an enormous amount of friends all over Illinois and Indiana who will miss him greatly.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and grandmother: Pearl McDaniel; sister: Carolyn Kay Litton; and mother-in-law: Carole Ann Metz.

     A funeral ceremony will be held beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Saturday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com