Ricky Carriel Dennison

Ricky Carriel Dennison, age 69, departed this life and entered eternal rest on December 12, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice, surrounded by love.

Rick was born on December 13, 1955, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Robert Carriel Dennison and Janet Lee Dennison. In 1958, his family relocated to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where Rick spent the remainder of his life and established deep roots in the community he proudly called home.

Rick was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Jeannette, with whom he shared more than forty three years of love, partnership, and unwavering devotion. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette; his mother, Janet Dennison; his sister, Ann Dennison; his nephew, Nick Randol (Alisa); and Nick’s children, Vincenzo, Carmine, Kieran, and Ronan. He is also survived by his sister in law, Gina Hake; his brother in law, Bill Hake; his nephew, Tony Hake; and his niece, Jenni Nelson, along with her children, Piper, Lanie, and Jace. Rick also leaves behind his cherished companions, his dog Vinnie and his cat Sophie, as well as countless friends whose lives he touched through music, friendship, and generosity.

Rick graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1974, where he was a standout athlete and a member of a State Championship Cross Country Team. Individually, he placed second in the state, a testament to his determination, discipline, and competitive spirit that remained evident throughout his life.

Music was a defining passion of Rick’s life. He began playing the drums as a child and went on to perform professionally for decades, earning respect as a talented and dedicated musician. In addition to his work as a lifelong professional drummer, Rick served as a booking agent and was deeply involved in the music industry. Alongside his wife, Jeannette, he owned Imperial Dry Cleaners in Olathe, Kansas, and together they founded Imperial Entertainment, blending their entrepreneurial spirit with Rick’s love of music and entertainment.

Beyond music and business, Rick was an avid car enthusiast who found great joy in attending car shows across the country. Many of his vacations were spent traveling to admire classic cars and connect with fellow enthusiasts. He also enjoyed spending time on the water and valued the simple pleasures of running, relaxing, and caring for animals. His love for animals was evident in the special bond he shared with his pets and in the compassion he showed to all living creatures.

Rick will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, humor, and the deep relationships he formed throughout his life. His passion for music, dedication to family, and ability to bring people together will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held on January 8, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at VFW Post 5789, located at 329 SE Douglas, in downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri. A graveside service will also take place at St. Ludger’s Cemetery in Germantown, Missouri, on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rick’s honor to Wayside Waifs, reflecting his lifelong love and compassion for animals.