Dennis Wakeen

Dennis J. Wakeen, 64, of North Canton passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 6.  Dennis was born on May 9, 1954 in Waukesha, WI, the son of the late Robert J. and Caroline A. Nasseff Wakeen.  He was a 1971 graduate of McKinley High School.  He attended Kent State University and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  

Dennis grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and later moved to Canton where he attended McKinley High School and worked at the Hoover Company. He spent the next 20 years in Colorado working in numerous vocations including mining, cobblery and mortuary services. His passion for leatherwork led him to open Dennis Wakeen Saddlery & Custom Leather in North Canton where he spent his remaining years. He was an inventive craftsman of many disciplines, notably woodworking and grilling.

He is survived by his sons Adrian Wakeen of North Canton, Aaron Wakeen of North Canton, Benjamin Thayer of Norfolk, VA, and William Thayer of Herndon, VA; Sister, Barbara (Randy) Van Nice Wakeen of North Canton; numerous cousins; and his faithful companion Belle.  No services will be held at this time.  Those who wish to gather in a celebration of Dennis’ life are welcome to join the family at a later date. Donations can be made in Dennis’ name to My Stuff Bags Foundation - www.mystuffbags.org or Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation - https://xerces.org/donate/.  For those wishing to leave condolences, you may do so at our: “on line registry page” www.wackerlyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Wakeen, please visit our floral store.