Dr. Dennis Dekoven Riston, 72 years old, resident of Lumberton, Texas, passed away at Memorial Hermann Hospital on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He passed away after a short illness.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, June 12, 1949, to Lee and Ruth Riston who preceded him in death. His brother Lee Riston also preceded him in death. He attended undergraduate school with a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago and obtained his Medical Degree. He then trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cook County in Illinois and in Colorado. This was followed by many years of Military Service, notably serving as the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana. After leaving the military he built one of the first birthing centers in Texas in the city of Lumberton. The center offered a new concept in labor and delivery which was embraced by the local community.
He was an individual with a diverse number of interests. He enjoyed fishing and boating on his Toledo Bend Property as well as hunting Elk in Colorado. He enjoyed traveling and it was not unusual to see him quickly jump a military plane to fly all over the world. He had a loud mouth and an infectious smile that filled the room and captivated his family, friends, and patients. This will be missed.
His greatest achievement was his two children Dennis Avery Riston (mother Vida Sprott) and Rihanna Ruth Riston (mother Yanet Montero). He was especially proud to see his son Avery go off to college. He continued to rear and be a part of Rihanna’s life despite several chronic illnesses. Both were his pride and joy and Rihanna, being his 10-year-old daughter, was special to him. He is survived by his two children as well as a host of cousins and friends. He was especially close to his cousin, Claudeidra Minor, whom he considered a sister. He had his special friends who he attended grade school and college with, including Priscilla Coatney of Chicago, Illinois and Reginald Davenport of Delray Beach, Florida.
We would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at Memorial Hermann who did all they could for him in his final days.
Remember, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” “When the ones we love are taken from us we must learn to always love them and that is how they live on.”
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lumberton Family Funeral Home. Dr. Riston will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
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