Dennis E. Kelch

Dennis Enos Kelch, 68, of Amarillo, Texas, went to be with Jesus, surrounded by his family and friends on November 21, 2025.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Schooler Funeral, 4100 S. Georgia with Chaplain Chad Horton presiding. 

Dennis was born December 14, 1956, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Enos Henry Kelch and Emmie Mae Jeter. He was raised in Lovington, New Mexico, where he graduated from Lovington High School before attending Amarillo College.

During Dennis’s working years he held several different positions such as carpentry, working on oil rigs, remodeling houses, and held a deep passion for helping any friends in need. Dennis went on to dedicate more than 45 years of service to Pantex, where he built lifelong friendships and was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and generous spirit.

A man committed to his community, Dennis was active in the Elks Lodge, the Amarillo Darts Club, the Amarillo Fly Fishing Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He embraced every opportunity to gather, serve, and enjoy good company.

During his childhood, Dennis enjoyed spending one whole month out of the summer every year in Fredericksburg, TX. These special moments consisted of spending time with his girl cousins and two sisters, or pestering/pulling pranks on us as we remember. His most special memories were with his uncle Paul Sultimier and feeding his grandfather Kelch’s orphaned fawns. Other special memories included gazing at the fireflies, eating Fredericksburg peaches and homemade ice cream, unbeatable barbecue, and aunt Eleanor’s wonderful hamburgers on homemade buns baked in a wood burning stove.

Dennis had many passions, fishing, playing darts, skiing, cooking, any work with his hands, and simply spending time with those he loved. Family was his foundation.

Other treasured moments encompass, numerous trips to Cimarron, NM with his nephew John and daughter Myka fishing the rivers for trout, fishing trips to Colorado with his good friends, specifically Jerry (Squirt) Quinto, and traveling to his families houses in New Mexico, where we made life long memories all cooking in the kitchen, going to White Sands, and doing activities as simple as sitting around watching movies and telling stories; we all know how good Dennis was at that.

He will always be remembered as a giving and tender hearted man. Someone that could always be counted on and was always present for any of his family and friends. Though he carried a bit of a stubborn streak, it was equally matched by his loyalty, big heart, and unwavering love for his loved ones and friends.

Dennis leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and treasured memories that will continue to live on in those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Connie Gomez.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Myka Kelch and Gus Wilbur of Wellington; two sisters, Kathy Black and husband Ardell of Lubbock, and LaDene Whitaker of Wichita Falls; two brothers, Larry Jeter and his wife Pat of Denver City, and Ralph Jeter and wife Shirley of Olney; his niece LeAnne Gomez of Albuquerque; and his nephew John Gomez and fiancee Erika Okinga of Las Cruces; two treasured grandchildren Garrix Wilbur and Juniper Wilbur; and many other loving family members and close friends.