Dennis Joseph Romans

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dennis "Sarge" Joseph Romans, age 67, of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 at 3:31 a.m. at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill.

Dennis was born on Jan. 20, 1943 in Chicago, Ill., a son to William W. and Florence Theresa (Dykowski) Romans. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp who proudly served his country in battle in the Vietnam War obtaining the rank of Seargent and earning many medals including a Purple Heart Medal. On Aug. 3, 1979, he married Mary Anne Mitchell in Johnston City, Ill. and she survives. In his lifetime, he had worked as a federal corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary, Marion, Ill. but spent most of his working life as a coal miner at Consolidated Burning Star #4 where he worked for 17 and a half years and was a member of the U.M.W.A. #1825. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill., the Marine Corp League, Pinckneyville, Ill., Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, Pinckneyville, Ill., the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Disabled Veterans, enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, making "Crosses In My Pocket" and working with children. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors and dearly loved spending time with his family and the family pet, "Heidi."

Survivors include his wife, Mary Anne Romans of Pinckneyville, Ill.; two daughters, Shanda Rei Romans of Tucson, Ariz. and Denise (Jim) Davis of Mashpee, Mass.; three brothers, Henry Romans of Thornton, Ill., Tim Romans of Bartow, Fla. and Joe Romans of Bartow, Fla.; three sisters, Mary Anne Winter of Johnston City, Ill., Dorothy (Sven) Shoaff of Johnston City, Ill. and Florence Dascotte of Johnston City, Ill.; two granddaughters, Selena Davis and Jasmine Davis, both of Mashpee, Mass.; a special friend, Bessie Davis;and numerous dear nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Romans; a sister, Virginia Bowlin; a brother-in-law, Dennis Dascote; and a niece, Lisa Sanders

Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Barnett officiating. Interment was Monday at 12:30 p.m. in Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, Ill.

Friends called at the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or First United Methodist Church.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. was in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.