Dennis Mabe passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May the 11th, 2022, in a quiet room at MD Anderson hospital, surrounded by family at his side.

Dennis' life was defined by his unwavering sense of fairness that he was always able to express through a gentle and considerate character. He always committed attention, if not a thoughtful solution, to any problem his family or friends might mention, no matter how small. For Dennis, being helpful was the cornerstone of a rewarding life, and the foundation for the blessings that follow loving kindness to others. As he used to challenge his daughter Drew when taking her to school: "Do you want to be part of the problem, or part of the solution?". That level of character can only come through the compassionate and generous nature of a quiet man who listened with his heart.

In 1989, while in New Braunfels, TX, at the Wurstfest celebration, Dennis met a young lady named Debbie who captured his heart completely. Three years later, in February of 1992, they began their new life as husband and wife. Eight years later, the new millennium brought them their greatest joy, a baby girl they named Drew. From that day until his last, Dennis was the ever-present, nurturing father, ready to instruct or provide consolation. For Debbie and Drew, everything that Dennis did was without compare, and this was so since everything he undertook was done out of love for them.

For 31 years, Dennis served with the Harris County Appraisal District. There, he made lifelong friends who saw him for the uniquely honest person he was, and who never lost touch with him even after his retirement in 2018. It was that crowd that really knew him for his passionate love of sports and competition. Baseball was his favorite, and Dennis was a huge Astros fan, but he didn't stop there. He was also a dedicated league bowler, and even has a 300 game to his credit. He loved poker, and he and his wife Debbie regularly hosted monthly poker tournaments at their house with good friends. He never missed anything related to football and was the Commissioner for his Fantasy Football group. From sports history and statistics, to the horse track and Las Vegas, Dennis was ready for that conversation! For him it wasn't just games, this was the arena where humanity demonstrated the lesson that those who worked the hardest became the best.

In 2012, Dennis was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He received surgery and follow-up treatments, and for years, the cancer showed no signs of its returning. Then, in 2017, came the news of relapse, and he began an immunotherapy program at MD Anderson. For five years Dennis leaned into that headwind until the exhaustion made him decide to seek shelter and rest.

Though we grieve at our loss, nothing sad can be found written here. This is the summary of a life that brought joy to many, and this occasion finds us gathered in a common love as we celebrate and give thanks that God shared the life of Dennis Mabe with all of us.

Dennis is survived by his beloved family: wife of 30 years Debbie Mabe, daughter Drew Mabe, parents Don and Lenoir Mabe, sister Laura Mejia, nephews Vincent and Alex Mejia, Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law Jo Ann and Daniel Perez. Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Deckard and Marion Hibbs, and Mother-in-Law, Erline L. Reyes.

"To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Dennis.