Dennis C. Whicker, 64, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., formerly of Rock Island and Milan, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Memorials may be sent to his wife, Mary. After cremation, a private service will be held graveside.

He was born on June 5, 1944, in Davenport. Dennis graduated from Moline High School in 1962. He then served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon returning, he went into law enforcement until he retired as a captain under the sheriff of Rock Island County Sheriff's Department in 1994.

Denny dearly loved camping, fishing, hiking and hunting. He was an exceptional photographer of nature. His sense of humor will forever lift us up.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife, Mary, Sierra Vista; two sons, Denny Whicker Jr. (Tammy), Milan, and Todd Whicker (Krystle), Branson, Mo.; one daughter, Patty Fisher (Derek), LeClaire; and seven grandchildren. Two sisters also survive him, Adrena Lyon (Larry), Milan, and Sherri Lightner (Terry), Milan; and many nieces and nephews. His father, Clell Whicker; mother, Rubie Whicker; and brother, Jerry Whicker, preceded him in death.