Dennis W. Worsley

Dennis Ward Worsley, 64, Bronaugh, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at Via Christi Health System in Pittsburg, Kan., following a fight with lung cancer. He was born Oct. 26, 1947, in Gunnison, Colo., to Ward W. Worsley and Zoe M. Baker Worsley. He was married Nov. 27, 1971, in Nevada, Mo., to Cynthia A. Hirschman.

Dennis grew up on a farm in Bronaugh, Mo., and graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1965. He graduated from Pittsburg State College in 1969 with a bachelor degree in geography. He farmed most of his life and was an Environmental Specialist for Vernon, Barton, and Dade counties for 15 years. Dennis also operated Cheyenne Gardens Nursery and Greenhouse for a number of years. He was a civil war reenactor with the 2nd Missouri Cavalry, a black powder enthusiast, and an avid deer hunter. The thing he enjoyed most was spending time with his grandchildren. Dennis was a member of the Bronaugh Christian Church, the Liberal Masonic Lodge, and a Shriner.

In addition to his wife, Cindy, survivors include two children, Tobi Utz and her husband, Chris, Albert Lea, Minn., and Cody Worsley and his wife, Whitney, Bronaugh, Mo.; four grandchildren, Erin Utz, Ryan Utz, Wyatt Worsley and Cole Worsley; one sister, Jane Spunaugle and her husband, John, Bella Vista, Ark.; mother and father-in law, Paul and Ann Hirschman, Nevada, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Sara Worsley.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow at Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. There will be Masonic services held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 6:30 p.m., with the family receiving friends afterwards between 7 and 8 p.m.

Those who wish may contribute to Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com