Dennis W. Britton

Dennis Wayne Britton, 81, of Soap Lake, Wash., died Dec. 25, 2023, at Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, Wash., of congestive heart failure. 

He was born in Pasco to Willard “Wayne” and Darlene “Dolly” Britton. He was raised in Kennewick and was a longtime resident of Soap Lake. 

Dennis honorably served four years in the United States Navy. His career included TV and electronic repair and working as a long-haul truck driver. The job he was most proud of was as a dam operator/electrician with the Grand Coulee Project Hydroelectric Authority, where he was considered to be very knowledgeable and highly respected in the field. He retired in 2008.

Dennis married Shirley Johnson in 1986. During their 37 years together, they enjoyed traveling and would take regular road trips to visit family and friends. 

Dennis was a member of the Central Washington Amateur Radio Club and was an avid licensed HAM radio operator. He was a member of IBEW, and the Ephrata American Legion. 

He is survived by his wife Shirley of Soap Lake; children Reta Zyph (Karl) of Prosser, Renee Eschler (Rusty) of Joseph, Ore., and Rhonda Britton of Ruckersville, Va., Linda Gerot (Jeff) of Manson, Mike Johnson (Michelle) of Kent, Ted Johnson (Michelle) of Billings, Mont., and Cynthia Ainsworth (Aaron) of Pueblo, Colo.; and siblings Darla Trapp, Barbara Fry, Bruce Britton (Debie) and Cindy Church, all of Kennewick. Dennis enjoyed spending time with their 11 grandkids, six great-grandkids and two great-great-grandkids. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dolly Britton. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ephrata American Legion. 

Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, Washington is in charge of arrangements.