Dennis Alan Davis

Dennis Alan Davis, age 86, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away on September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving children. Dennis was born on January 10, 1940, to Harold and Caroline Davis in St. Johns, Arizona. He carried a deep love for that town and its people and passed that love on to his children. After graduating as valedictorian from St. Johns High School in 1958, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1965 and a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University in 1967.

Over the course of his professional career, Dennis worked in urban planning and infrastructure development. He started in the City of Tucson Planning Department, then moved to Phoenix to work in the Office of Economic Planning and Development within the Office of the Governor. In his subsequent position as Deputy Director with the Rio Salado Project, he helped lay the groundwork for what became Tempe Town Lake, making a lasting contribution to the community he called home for over 50 years. Dennis concluded his career with the engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff, where he helped shape major transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Arizona and surrounding states.

Dennis married Marjean Hendricks on October 16, 1970, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together, they raised four children and built a life centered on family, faith, and service. Dennis’ greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who took a deep interest in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending their activities, celebrating their accomplishments, and providing a steadfast example of hard work, kindness, and selflessness. He cherished his wife, Marjean, and instilled in his children the importance of loving and caring for one another. His devotion to his family was at the heart of who he was and remains an important part of the legacy he leaves behind. That legacy is also reflected in the three books he wrote, one sharing his personal history and the other two preserving the stories and experiences of both his and Marjean’s ancestors.

Family, friends, and neighbors loved Dennis’ steady and thoughtful nature as he approached life with patience, humility, quiet determination, and a subtle sense of humor. He will also be remembered for his love of reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, homemade bread, Pepsi, the University of Arizona Wildcats, and dancing with Marjean.

Dennis was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who found joy in studying the gospel and continually sought greater knowledge and faith. He served in the Mexico Mission from 1960 to 1963, an experience that strengthened his testimony and deepened his understanding of God’s love for all His children. His enduring testimony guided his decisions, influenced the way he cared for others, and sustained his faithful service in numerous church callings throughout his life. Whether teaching, leading, or serving, he sought to live the gospel by both word and example.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and four of his five siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Marjean; his four children, Julie (Lee) Anglin, Stacey Davis, Carrie (Marc) Lowe, and Kevin (Erik Steingraber) Davis; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Lavaun Shreeve.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 W. Grove Parkway, Tempe, Arizona, preceded by a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Mesa City Cemetery. For those who wish, floral arrangements may be sent to Bunker's Garden Chapel.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.