Denis Joseph Haney, 78, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, in Arlington after a tough battle with cancer. Service: Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish, 1927 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, with Rev. Daniel Kelley, celebrant. Interment: 2:30 p.m. in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at WadeFamily Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Mission Arlington or charity of choice .

Denis was born on March 20, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY, to Thomas Joseph Haney, Jr. and Jean McCrossan Haney. A member of the US Air Force Academy Class of '60, he served 24 years with distinction as a pilot and retired in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Denis was a Vietnam War veteran who received a Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross for three tours of duty.

Denis moved to Arlington in 1987 and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Community Men's Club. He enjoyed golf, soccer, and tennis. Denis loved sports and was a big fan of football, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the Air Force Falcons. Most importantly, he was the pillar of his family and was an example of love, truth, and honesty to those he loved. He was especially proud of the achievements and aspirations of his children and grandchildren. Denis was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Survivors: His devoted wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Haney; their children: Elizabeth Haney; Denis Haney and wife, Tracy; Cynthia Bryant and husband, David; Christopher Haney and wife, Michele; and Jeffrey Haney and wife, Donna; brother, Desmond Haney; their grandchildren: Kathryn and Tyler, Meagan and Donald, Shannon and Jacob, Aaron, Emily, Brendan, Alison, Benton, Emma, Colin, Merytt, and Nolan; and great-grandchildren, Sophia and Josephina.

Published in the Star-Telegram on Apr. 16, 2017