Dennis Ray Kucera

Dennis Ray Kucera, age 74, of Oktaha, Oklahoma, departed this life on July 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering service and devotion. Born on February 6, 1951, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Dennis was the cherished son of Ernest Ray Kucera and Judy Ann (Stockwell) Kucera, who instilled in him the values of integrity and community that would define his remarkable journey. Raised with a keen sense of duty, Dennis answered the call to serve his country during the Vietnam era. As a proud member of the United States Army, he was assigned to C Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, and later to the legendary 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels" stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served with the 502nd Military Police. The discipline, courage, and camaraderie he found in the military would remain a guiding force throughout his life. Dennis continued his commitment to public service as a law enforcement officer. His career began at the Haskell Police Department (1976-1978), followed by a year with the Bixby Police Department. In 1980, Dennis joined the Muskogee Police Department, where he would spend twenty years serving and protecting his community with distinction and compassion. Upon his retirement in 2000, his dedication did not wane with time; from 2001 to 2011, he served with the Muskogee Public Schools Police Department, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless students and staff members. Dennis’s life was deeply enriched by his family. On July 11, 1998, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Renfro, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Their partnership was a source of joy and steadfast support, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Dennis found his greatest happiness in the company of his family, whether gathered for a meal, or simply enjoying one another’s presence. He also found great joy in hunting, fishing, working around his farm, storytelling, and collecting knives. His favorite moments were spent in the woods, or surrounded by family and friends, telling stories. He never missed an opportunity to make others feel seen and loved. Dennis lived his life with purpose, led with love and left behind a legacy of service, strength and kindness. He will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those privileged to know him, and in the community he so honorably served. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Judy Kucera; grandmother, Ann Dean; brothers, Ernest Kucera, and Larry Kucera; son, Michael Kucera; and his beloved dog, Charlie. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kucera of the home; his children, Brandy Kucera (Daniel Lyons) of Muskogee, OK, Nick Kucera of Muskogee, OK, Whitney Pinkston and husband Brian of Van Buren, AR, Justin Kucera (Nichole) of Broken Arrow, OK, Jacob Kucera of Oktaha, OK; Krista Kucera Sentman of OR; grandchildren, Haley Frix, Alexis Frix, Gage Frix, Leighton Lyons, Kieleigh Mariano, Avery Kucera, Landry Kucera all of Muskogee, OK, Kennedy Pinkston, Brynlee Pinkston both of Van Buren, OK, Asher Kucera of Broken Arrow, OK, and Kallie Jo Kucera of Coweta, OK; great-grandson, Colt Frix of Muskogee, OK; sister, Sharon Kucera of Klamath Falls, OR; parents-in-law, Nancy Dean, Jerry and Lynn Renfro; and many other family members and friends. A celebration of Dennis’ life will be 12:30PM, Monday, July 28, 2025 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Scott Crosby officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Nick Kucera, Justin Kucera, Daniel Lyons, Jacob Kucera, Brian Pinkston and Larry Garde serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gage Frix Bentley McDonald, Luke Abel, Allan Mitchell, Harley Hamm and Jerry Renfro. Following the interment, there will be a dinner and time of shared memories for family and his law enforcement brothers in blue at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Muskogee.

Dennis Ray Kucera

February 6, 1951 - July 18, 2025