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Dennis Whaley Obituary
Dennis was born in Houston, Texas, on July 21, 1952, to Rush and Ruth Alice Whaley, who preceded him in death. He attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University, where he met his beloved Teena. Dennis also attended ORU, then transferred to Evangel University, graduating in 1974. He earned a master's degree from Sam Houston State in 1983.
Ordained in 1982, Dennis served in pastoral ministry for 26 years. For the past nine years was Evangel's Director of University Relations.
Dennis was a graduate of Leadership Springfield, a member of Rotary Club of Springfield-Southeast and a Board member of the Springfield Sister Cities Assoc. Among his many volunteer activities, he served for 24 years as a National Fine Arts Festival judge.
Dennis loved people, and collected friends.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kristeena "Teena" Haiduk Whaley; daughter, Sara Elizabeth Whaley Kunau and her husband, Jason, currently of Montgomery, Ala; a brother, Taylor Miller, of Oakland, Calif.; a sister, Annette Whaley, of Austin, Texas; and, a far-reaching network of friends.
The visitation will be held at Central Assembly, 1301 N. Boonville, Friday, August 27, 5 - 8 p.m. The celebration of Dennis' life will be Saturday, August 28, 10 a.m., at Central Assembly. Gifts may be made to the Dennis Whaley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Mo. 65802
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Whaley
September 10, 2010
Teena, Sara and Jason:
Dennis was always so joyful and uplifting at our family gatherings. He was truly a man of God and we knew he was your soulmate. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn and Greg Rapstine White Deer, TX
LInda Rotan
September 3, 2010
My friend Tina, Jerry and I were saddened at the news of Dennis. We will always remember his smile and laugh. Our prayers are with you and Sara. We love you
Justine Johnson
September 2, 2010
Mrs. Whaley and Sara, you don't know me but I've heard much about Dennis and his family from Zach Kidder. I'm sure this is a resounding theme of Dennis' life, I want to express my gratitude for all he has done for my friend, Zach. Dennis poured time and interest, encouragement and pride into Zach and in doing so helped to heal brokenness and restore a desire in him to see the wholeness in Christ. He challenged Zach to be an authentic man of God and because Zach saw that in Dennis' life, he knows it is possible on this earth, while we wait our home-going, to be authentic. Zach loved that Dennis understood his gift and desire for drama and was just recently sharing stories of his last antics with Dennis. What a man of God you shared life with. May the presence of God and his son, our saviour, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit be ever near - comforting you, encouraging you, holding you closely, holding you up. You are in my constant prayers. Justine
Taylor Miller
September 1, 2010
When I was a little boy in Houston, I begged our Mama and Daddy to have be a baby brother for me to grow up with. God blessed us with Dennis Wayne Whaley in July 1952. He was a gifted little boy and made straight A's in every school he ever attended. He had a photographic memory and was a true genious. He was a Christian his whole life, from a very young age. He was my hero. He prayed for my safety during three tours of duty in Vietnam. I came home whole. He prayed for my safety for 28 years as I served as an Oakland California Police Sergeant. Again I made it through safely. He prayed for me during my bypass 14 years ago. He prayed for me one last time when I had a sarcoma removed successfully in June 2010. I'm now cancer free. Thank you Dear Jesus. Thank you my Dear Brother. We all love and miss you so much. You are in Heaven now because you were a True Saint here on this old earth. We hope to reunite with you someday.
August 30, 2010
I first met Dennis when he spent Thanksgiving at our Michigan home, along with my son, Ed Thurston, and a traveling group of students from Evangel. Many years later, when visiting the Evangel campus I was amazed by his sharp memory of people and events. He was definitely a people person and will be missed by all who knew him. May God bless Dennis' memory and comfort those left behind.
Van White
Ann Lawler
August 30, 2010
Teena and family, Dennis reached out to me when my daughter was a freshman at EU. He was such a wonderful email buddy to continually pray for the many needs of the EU family. I was honored to sit with the two of you at one of the dinners at EU while Candice was there. I remember discussing our connection at SAGU as well. My love and prayers are with you all. I know you have many friends who will be a constant comfort to you. Dennis truly never met a stranger! I was blessed to have known him.
August 30, 2010
We met Dennis for the first time in 2005 in Mobile,Al.for our Aunt Annie Belle Phillips 80th birthday party.My late grandmother Elsie Bennett Jones was a half-sister to Dennis' mother and Aunt Annie Belle.
He impressed us as being a kind ,caring and compassionate man who truly had a heart for God. Our prayers and sympathy to Teena and family during this sad time . Ernest &Bessie Howell (Lucedale,Ms.)
Brian Paullus
August 28, 2010
Dennis my friend your life was truly a blessing to me and everyone you have met, that was evident today at your home going. There were so many kind words and stories spoken about you and I have never in all my life been so uplifted at a funeral as I was today. You are dearly missed my friend. Until we meet again in that Great City!
Danny Gray
August 27, 2010
Dennis was a good friend and mentor when I attended Praise Assembly of God in Springfield. I will truly miss you Dennis I loved you as the strong brother you were my condolences and prayers go out to Teena and his family.
Adolph & Thelma Bundrick
August 27, 2010
Dennis was a special person and wil be missed by us. Our prayers are with Tenna and family and we pray God will comfort them knowing that he awaits them in heaven with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Love, Adolph & Thelma Bundrick
Sarah C
August 27, 2010
Dennis has been a long-time client at our firm & I always enjoyed visiting with him at the front desk. He would always ask about my Mom who was in a nursing home, though he'd never met her. He will certainly be missed. May God comfort your family.
Sarah - receptionist at RMMC
Bob Elder
August 26, 2010
Dennis was so kind to me the first time I met him. It seemed like I had known him forever. I will miss his kindness at minister's meetings and at Evangel.
August 26, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Dennis was a wonderful person and every one that knew him loved him dearly, We were his Friends at Whitehaven Assembly of God - Memphis, Tenn.,
Joe, Rosetta Mabe and Daughters, Valeria, Gloria and Trisha
August 25, 2010
Teen and family - Phil and I love you and our prayers are with you at this time. Dennis gave all to those who knew him and we will forever be grateful for the impact he had on our lives as Phil's college roommate and on my sister Penny's life when she was in MRC. We know God's love and peace will sustain you!
Dolton&Dottie Gillespie
August 25, 2010
August25,2010Teena and family:Our love and prayers or with you,so thankful we got to know Dennis.
August 25, 2010
Teena, Sara and Jason - You are in our thoughts and prayers! Dennis will be missed!
Keith & Joy Sorbo
Ed & Diana Horton
August 25, 2010
Teena and family: We are so sorry for your loss. Dennis will be greatly missed. Dennis has made an impact on many lives. It was a pleasure to have known him and be a friend.
Christopher Bowling
August 25, 2010
A true friend who will remain forever in my heart.
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