Button Haskins

Dennis Button Haskins III passed away surrounded by family at his home in Chattanooga, on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, after 84 years of an amazing life that began April 5, 1928.Button, or "Buttons" as many called him, was preceded in death by his parents Button and Catherine Haskins; his brother, Bill; sister, Patricia, and his young son, Terry.He is survived by his wonderful wife of 34 years, Pamela Taylor Haskins; and her sons, Rodney, Charlie (Marilyn) and Tim Bowman; grandchildren, Jeffrey Bowman, Kristie Mantooth, Heather Long Disbrow(Alex) and Jonathan Long; and great grandchild, Caelynn Disbrow. Button is also survived by his sons, Dennis Button Haskins IV and Timothy Harold Haskins (Gayle); and grandchildren, Julie and Alex.Friends of the family include Marie Stewart, Patty Wilbanks, and all of his friends of Bill W. and extended family include the Glunz family of Chicago with his deceased sister, Patricias husband, Jack and their children and the Denver Haskins family with his deceased brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Haskins and their children. and the Wilson family.In 1945, his Junior year at Notre Dame High School, Button enlisted in the Navy in service of our country at the end of WWII. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1946 and finished his education at The University of Chattanooga. His career was almost entirely devoted to TVA. His early days included surveying and transmission line designs as a civil engineer and later shifted to computers and designing programs for various TVA needs. He stayed with TVA over 40 years until retiring. He was also a WWII Navy veteran.Retirement didnt slow him down though as he joined several of his former TVA colleagues doing FEMA work for Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., or BVI, for many years helping various disaster victims and their companies across the country get back on their feet. His years of BVI/TVA/FEMA work was recognized by BVIs "Man of the Year" award!Early on he was involved in Cub Scouts and supportive of the Pinewood Derby among other things. Boy Scouts followed eventually becoming Scoutmaster of Troop 44 for several years mentoring many scouts, and taking many camping trips! He stayed involved in scouting after his children had moved on and received scoutings prestigious Silver Beaver Award. The Knights of Columbus council 610 and fellow knights were important to him as he rose through the ranks to Grand Knight and the KC Man of the Year. His many friendships that were started there lasted him his entire lifetime! Button and his wife Pam attended many KC dances and granddaughter Heather is rumored to have learned to dance while standing on his toes.As his son Dennis went to Buttons alma mater, Notre Dame High School, he got involved in support of various organizations serving one year as head of the Athletic Committee and reconstructing some Paris landmarks for his sons Junior prom.Our Lady of Perpetual Help has always been prominent in his life and in Pams as well. He and his wife Pam are members of O.L.P.H. Church and Buttons history goes back to attending school there. In later years some of you may remember him ushering at various Masses, and a little known fact, he built the manger scene that was seen in front of the church every holiday season for many years.One group in particular played a very important role in Buttons life, Friends of Bill W. He often said without those friends support, his life would have been very different. As was his way, once grounded there, he threw himself into helping others as he had been helped.Buttons life was one full of giving and surrounded by friends who were also involved in his many organizations and projects.Dennis Button Haskins III will be missed more than words can say. Husband, Papaw, Dad, Uncle Button, "Buttons", friend, colleague, and sometimes Dennis, we love you.Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday at the funeral home, with a Rosary Service at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Jim Vick officiating.Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors.Memorial donations may be made to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, Post Office Box 11203, Chattanooga, TN 37401.Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.