Dennis Lee Molden, 81, passed away October 24, 2023 surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Winchester, Virginia.
Dennis was born on July 30, 1942 in Winchester, Virginia the son of Everett “Ed” Molden and Mary Katherine (Denny) Molden.
Dennis was a lifelong resident of Winchester attending James Wood, Handley High School and finally Massanutten Military School before joining the U.S. Air Force and returning to Winchester in 1964.
Dennis was an active member of the Virginia Jaycees and through this membership he met his wife Lorilee Jean Mitchell who he married on August 22, 1964. Together they remained active in the Jaycees, Dennis was the President of the Winchester/Frederick County Chapter from 1971-1972 and later the President of the Virginia Jaycee Senate from 1981-1982. Dennis was a member of the Winchester Kiwanis Club and could be found flipping pancakes with a smile each Pancake Day for many years. A Boy Scout at heart, Dennis volunteered and donated funds for the shooting range at Camp Rock Enon in Gore Virginia where the range is named in his honor. Dennis and his dad were contributors to The Northern Virginia 4-H camp in Front Royal where Molden Dining Hall is located.
Dennis founded the Gold Wing Road Riders Association where he was a member and organizer from 1986-1992 logging countless miles, memories, and adventures across the country with Lori riding behind him.
Dennis worked side by side with his father at Molden Real Estate much of his career and in 1987 became the owner/operator of the family business. His love of real estate and entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his father lives on in his children and grandchildren who continue to run the family business in Winchester.
Dennis had a huge love for golf that led he and Lorilee to Naples Florida in 1988 where they would spend several weeks each year that eventually led to full time retirement living. Dennis could often be found on committees for golf course improvement, building maintenance, pool maintenance and clubhouse design. He never stopped working!
During retirement Dennis and Lorilee, with their friends, vacationed and traveled often, Alaska, The Amazon, Europe, South America, Galapagos Islands, Norway, Ireland and so many other countries. He lived life to the fullest and will be missed by his family and so many wonderful friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Everett “Ed” Molden, Mary Baker, Siblings, Hugh Molden, Mary Lee Hartjes, Everett Molden, Jr. and his grandchild Everett Quinn Racey Molden.
He is survived by his four children: Robert (Amy) Molden of Middletown, Denni (Josh) Backstrom of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Susan Molden of Boyce, and Richard (Shannon) Molden of Winchester. Grandchildren: Steven, Spencer, Autumn, Megan, Turner, Quinna, Chase, Maelyn, Wesley, Eddyn, Catherine and Cole as well as eight Great-grandchildren. Siblings: George Baker, Lynn Baker, Mimi Molden and Kit Molden. Many nieces, nephews, and close friends that he considered family. He is also leaving behind his dedicated and compassionate caregiver of eight years, Debbie.
Please join the family for Visitation Wednesday, November 8th from 6pm-8pm at Omps Funeral Home at 1600 Amherst St. in Winchester. Graveside service at Mt. Hebron Cemetery on Friday, November 10th at 11am.
Denni, Susan and Richie and their families would like to thank everyone for the calls, visits, texts, meals and the loving support the last week of our Father’s life!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dennis to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A graveside service will be on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11am in Mount Hebron Cemetery.