Dennis Lauriston Elliott, 88, of Rapid City passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026. 

He was born Saturday, November 20, 1937 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Floyd and Ruth (Crittenden) Elliott.  

Dennis had a brilliant mind and pursued his education earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Washington in 1961, a Masters from California State University - San Francisco in 1968 and finally a Doctorate from the University of California - Riverside in 1972.  Dennis served as a professor of Chemistry at: Northwest Missouri State University, South Dakota State University, Los Medanos College, Pacific States Chiropractic College, Lone Mountain College, and San Bernadino Valley College. 

Dennis served honorably in the US Army  from 1961 to 1963 at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Dennis will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery. Date and time of service is pending and will be announced.