Dr. David Hennon

Dr. David (Doc) K. Hennon, age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his residence in Indianapolis, on May 25, 2017. Doc was born October 20th, 1933 in Midland, Indiana, and spent his formative years in Bloomington, Indiana, attending Bloomington High School (Class of ‘51), where he met the love of his life, Clarice F. Graves. He attended Indiana University, prior to joining the Naval Reserves in 1952, during the Korean War. Doc trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and was then was stationed at Cecil Field Naval Air Base in Florida, from 1952-1954, as a dental technician. Upon his return to civilian life, Doc returned to I.U. and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1957.

He graduated from I.U. Dental School in 1960, and joined the faculty the same year. Doc was an integral member of the team that researched and studied the use of fluoride treatment in oral health, which was headed by Dr. Joe Muhler, who developed Crest Toothpaste. He was a member of the I.U. Dental School Faculty for 35 years, retiring in 1995. His passion for dental science motivated him to obtain his Master’s degree in pediatric dentistry, as well as his orthodontic certification. During Doc’s later career, he was as a member of IU’s Craniofacial Team at Riley Hospital for Children, specializing in the treatment of cleft palate children, and developed an appliance that covered the palette, which allowed cleft palette babies to nurse.

Doc was an avid fisherman, pianist, lover of classical music, and long-time patron of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Doc and Clarice gave lectures in their respective fields of expertise, around the world, which included trips to Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, Ireland, and Mexico. Doc’s greatest achievement was his lifelong devotion to his sweetheart, Clarice, and his family. Despite enduring medical difficulties later in life, Doc lovingly cared for his wife, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, until the time of his death. Doc and Clarice were to celebrate 60 years of marriage, June 16, 2017.

Doc was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Edith (Justus) Hennon; father, Doyle Hennon; sisters Vera (Rouse) Hennon, Myra Jean (Taylor) Hennon; and brothers Dale Hennon, Ervin Richard (Dick) Hennon, and Robert Hennon. Doc is survived by his wife, Clarice F. (Graves) Hennon; two sons, David (Laura), and Michael (Kristin); six grandchildren: David, Emma, Daniel, Lucy, Sela and John; brother-in-law Eric (Terri) Graves; sister-in-law Mary Lou Graves; as well as several loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Doc’s life is planned for Friday, June 2nd, 2017, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Funeral service will be on Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 at 11:00am Flanner and Buchanan-Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd W. Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Per the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, or favorite charity.