Dennis Lichti

Dennis Ray Lichti, age 56, of Dry Fork, AR, broke free from the bonds of COVID and made a boisterous entry into eternal paradise on July 30, 2021.  

Dennis was born in Huntsville, AR on October 11, 1964, the second child of Larry Lichti and the late Sarah (Glapenske) Lichti. His childhood was filled with so much love combined with dedication to teamwork on the family farm. He was raised in the Dry Fork community where he attended Shiloh United Methodist Church and was active in 4-H club. 

Dennis attended Berryville Public Schools. During his twelve years there, he built a special camaraderie with friends that extended into his adulthood. He earned countless awards in FFA, but perhaps one of his favorite high school awards was the Spirit Award for the 1981-82 school year. His friends can testify that they could always hear Dennis cheering for them regardless of the sport, and they especially appreciated his energetic disagreements for poor referee judgments. The top three graduates from the BHS class of 1983 were the best of friends, and his choice of taking typing class for credit only was a stroke of genius that his friends will talk about for years to come. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas and graduated with high honors in 1987, earning a bachelor's degree with double majors in Agricultural Mechanization and Agricultural Economics. In addition, he held the highest honor of Chancellor for the Alpha Zeta Fraternity. He was a loving husband, father figure, uncle, and friend. He very much enjoyed making a joyful noise--and sometimes those noises were silly!  

Dennis was employed as parts manager for the Berryville location of Williams Tractor. His dedication to excellence was evident by his presence. He was always the first person to arrive and the last person to leave. Making sure that customers/friends got the necessary parts for their farming equipment was a task he did not take lightly. He was known for giving 'kisses' (Hershey's) to his customers/friends. If he was especially fond of someone, they received the Gaylen Kropf discount! It is safe to say that his work family is left with a tremendous void.

Dennis was united in marriage with Debbie Spilman on April 7, 2012. Together they attended Green Forest United Baptist Church and enjoyed everything about their life together. His heavenly presence leaves a tremendous hole in the earthly lives of so many--especially his beloved wife, Debbie, of Dry Fork, and his stepdaughter Holly Spilman of Harrison, AR. Other loved ones left to adjust to his absence include his father, Larry Lichti (Marie), of Dry Fork, his Granny Stine of Kingston, AR, and his siblings--Anna Sue Messick of Nevada, MO, Dr. Cheryl Lichti of St. Louis, MO, David Lichti (Polly) of Dry Fork, and Regina Binz (Kevin) of Maumelle, AR. It is common knowledge that he was ever the prankster. Some of his favorite pestering targets were his nieces and nephews--Melanie Roman (Zack), Megan and Andrew Messick, Abigail, Katherine, and Keith Lichti, and Torrie and Julia Binz. Dennis also leaves behind a long list of relatives, including blood relatives, relatives by marriage, and mostly relatives of the heart. The list is incredibly long, and words are inadequate. 

Dennis was undoubtedly welcomed into heaven by his mother, Sarah Lichti. Others present at the gates include his grandparents, Lon and Doris Lichti, Eadmond and Lucy Glapenske, and Ivan and Louise Meek, and a host of loved ones. 

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 7, at 10:00 am at his home* and will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Spurlock. Following the service, interment of his ashes will be ‘on the hill’ in front of his childhood home with Rev. Lon Hudson officiating.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Berryville High School FFA, 902 W Trimble Ave., Berryville, AR 72616; or Green Forest United Baptist Building Fund, P.O. Box 1493, Green Forest, AR 72638. 

The family would like to express their most sincere heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support that has been shown over the duration of Dennis’s illness and hospitalization. 

*From Highway 412 at Dry Fork, Arkansas, drive south on county road 943. Signs will be posted for directions. Please dress comfortably and bring a lawn chair. The family kindly requests that attendees should respect infection control measures such as social distancing and mask usage. Services will also be live streamed on the family Facebook page, “Helping Dennis Home,” for those who are unable to attend.

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