11/11/2024

Kevin Dennis

November 11, 2024, marked the end of a remarkable 73 years of life filled with selflessness, dedication, and care for others. Kevin was born in Oklahoma City on November 12, 1950, to Omar Dennis Sr. and Lucy Laverne Sumrall Dennis. He grew up in south Oklahoma City and graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1969.

On June 7, 1969, Kevin married Kathy Witten, and together they were blessed with three daughters: Michele, Jenny and Emily. After high school, Kevin went on to further his education at the Central State University (now UCO) and then began working at a local funeral home, where he was part of the team that operated the ambulances. His career in funeral service spanned several decades and various locations in the Oklahoma City area. In 1981, he began working for Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary, where he would serve families for the next 31 years before retiring. Kevin was very active in the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association (OFDA), holding various positions, including serving as president in 2000. He traveled extensively throughout the state and across the country, advocating for funeral directors and their vital role in helping families during their most difficult times. Following his retirement from the funeral home, Kevin continued to serve others by working in patient hospitality, transporting patients for the Procure Proton Center, which later became the Oklahoma Proton Center. This allowed Kevin to meet and interact with people from around the world, many of whom were patients seeking treatment at the center.

Kevin was passionate about his community, making lasting connections with many friends and colleagues. One of his greatest joys was supporting the University of Oklahoma football team. A longtime season ticket holder, Kevin loved cheering on the Sooners, proudly wearing the crimson and cream. He cherished the memories of attending the annual rivalry game against Texas in Dallas with friends and family.

Left to cherish many memories of Kevin are his family which includes his daughters: Michele Stapleton and her husband Todd, and Emily Hart and her husband Josh, the girls’ mother Kathy Howard, as well as 8 grandchildren Ashley Greene and her husband Tyler, Shelby Webb and her husband Colin, Peyton Washington, Thomas Washington, Maggie Washington, Olivia Washington, Blake Hart, and Luke Hart and 4 great-grandchildren: Brooks and Holly Greene, Jeb Webb, and Weston Blackburn.

Kevin is also survived by his brother Mike Dennis and his wife Margie, his sister Lucy Fritts and her husband Scott, sisters-in-law Mary Dennis and Sandy Mills, and his close friend Char Williams, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends and former colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, Omar Sr. and LaVerne Dennis; his brother Omar Dennis Jr, his in-laws, Nina and Bill Witten; and his beloved daughter, Jenny McMillan, who passed away in June of this year.

Kevin’s legacy of kindness, care, and service will live on in the many lives he touched. His family and friends will forever remember him as a loving father, brother, g-dad, and friend, whose heart was always open to helping others.

To celebrate and honor the life of Kevin, gifts can be made in his memory to the UCO Foundation, 100 N. University, Box 133, Edmond, OK 73034, Memo: S10050 in honor of Kevin Dennis

A visitation for Kevin will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Primrose Funeral Service. 

Kevin will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 2301 E Indian Hills Rd, Norman, OK 73071.