Dennis Lightner, Sr.

Dennis F. Lightner, Sr., age 84 of Shermans Dale, passed away on November 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Harrisburg on October 11, 1940, to the late Jacob D. and Mildred I. (Kuhn) Lightner, Dennis was a career Army man, specializing in Special Forces.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol A. (Carlin) Lightner; two children:  Jill M. Lightner, wife of Brennon D. Umbenhauer of Landisburg and Dennis F. Lightner, Jr., husband of Kendra A. Lightner of Gardners; granddaughter:  Keena M. Kirk, wife of Benjamin D. Kirk of Shermans Dale; two great grandchildren:  Addyson J. and Camryn M; two siblings:  Richard A. Lightner of Shermans Dale and Clifford W. Lightner, husband of Aletha of Blain; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by eight siblings:  Alma J. Kuhn, Edgar E. Lightner, Beverly J. Sheaffer, Donna M. Ellerman, Barry J. Lightner, Mary L. Garber, Eva J. Burnham, and Vincent D. Lightner.

Dennis proudly served his country in the Army from 1959 to 1983, from which he retired as a Master Sergeant.  During his lengthy military career, Dennis earned the following decorations, medal, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons:  Master Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Cambodian Airborne Wings, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Cambodia National Defense Medal.  His overseas service included Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ryukyu.

After a successful 24-year Army career, Dennis returned to his civilian career by establishing a painting and contracting company with his cousin, Neil Lightner, named Lightner and Lightner.  The two cousins worked together from 1983 to 2002, when the company was dissolved.  Dennis was a member of Church of the Living Christ in Loysville.

Funeral services for Dennis will be held at Church of the Living Christ, 2401 Fort Robinson Road, Loysville, PA  17047 on Thursday, November 21.  Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 AM, followed by the funeral service at 10 AM, with Pastor Ethan Swartz officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow the funeral service at Landisburg Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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