May 15, 1937 - August 10, 2025
The memorial service for Robert William Dense will be 2:00pm Friday August 22, 2025 at Emmanuel Enid. The Rev. Shonn Keels will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Henninger – Hinson Funeral Home. Visitation is Thursday 5- 6:30pm at Henninger – Hinson.
Robert William Dense, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He passed away while surrounded by his family.
“Bob” was born to Robert and Elizabeth Harder Dense in Williamsport, Pennsylvania May 15, 1937. World War II took his family to Ohio for his dad’s officer training school. After the war, they settled in Tulsa, OK where his dad worked for the Jones Loughlin Steel Co. Bob graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1955. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Mechanical Industrial Engineering. While at OU he was a devoted member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a member of Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers throughout his career. Bob also served in the U.S. Army. In 1964, Bob married Betty Marie Pond. In 1967, they moved to Enid and Bob took ownership of a company that became Dense Mechanical Contractors, Inc. He was President and CEO of this company for over 50 years.
Bob and Betty’s union resulted in their four children Paul, Melissa, Marcy, and Molly with many years of joyful family memories. Bob was very involved in the Enid community serving on many boards: United Way, Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Hospital, Enid Economic Development, Phillip’s University, Cherokee Strip Heritage Museum, YMCA, Cherokee Strip Community Foundation, Enid Higher Education Council, Enid Public School Foundation, Enid Symphony Orchestra. He was active in Enid Rotary Club and served as President. He also volunteered at Carver Elementary.
Bob was a recipient of United Way’s Dick Lambertz Memorial Award and a finalist for the Pillar of the Plains award. Bob loved his church family at First Presbyterian and Westminster Presbyterian serving on several committees. He also regularly attended Bible Studies. His faith and love for God and His Word continued to increase through the years. Bob was a devoted father spending countless hours supporting his children in their endeavors. Bob was very active: studying and perfecting whatever activity that was his focus at the time. His favorites were tennis, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, pickleball, and golf. He loved traveling and spending time with his friends.
Bob was an avid OU football fan, and he is known to make a plate of cookies disappear! In the last few years, Bob had the blessing of meeting and marrying Gail Bell of Atlanta, Georgia. A sweet companion for his active life; sharing wonderful experiences together.
Bob is survived by his wife, Gail Dense; his children Paul Dense and wife Marla of Littleton, Colorado; Melissa Clark and husband Coleman of Oklahoma City; Marcy Price and husband Brent of Enid; Molly Player and husband Weber of Savannah, Georgia. He is blessed with 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful friends who knew and loved Bob and who share their love with the family during this time. They also wish to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses that have assisted Bob on his medical journey.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Enid through Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
