Wendell Earl Dennis, 80, West Plains, Missouri, passed away September 7, 2026.  Hel was born April 26, 1946, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Earl Foster Dennis and Lois Lucas Dennis. Dennis was raised in Mountain Grove and attended school there before beginning a long and accomplished career.  On February 13, 1980, Wendell married Sharon Ann Douglas. Their marriage spanned more than 46 years and was filled with family, travel, and many shared adventures. Together, Wendell and Sharon traveled extensively, including trips throughout the country in their RV as well as travels around the world. Sharon preceded Wendell in death on June 3, 2026.  Wendell spent 23 years with Marlen Research Corporation, where he managed the service department. His career took him throughout the United States and around the world, and his mechanical knowledge, ingenuity, and ability to solve complex problems contributed to several patents. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of those who knew him for his knowledge, dependability, and strong work ethic.  Wendell was a hardworking and remarkably capable man. Family and friends knew that if something was broken, Wendell could usually find a way to fix it. He believed strongly in honesty, hard work, self-reliance, and taking care of one's family. These were values he demonstrated throughout his life and passed along to those closest to him.  

He was also a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. Wendell was the father of James Warren Dennis and Brian Keith Dennis, both of whom preceded him in death, and stepfather to Brad Gaddy. He loved his grandchildren, Finley Gaddy and Ethan Gaddy, and took great pride in his family.

Wendell shared much of his knowledge with Brad over the years, teaching him many practical skills, including how to work on cars and houses. When Brad was young, the family spent many memorable days together on the lake. Wendell also enjoyed pheasant hunting and the outdoors.

Those who knew Wendell will remember him as an honest man who worked hard throughout his life and was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He could be strong-willed and was never hesitant to make his opinion known, but his family always knew they could count on him. Wendell often expressed his love not through words, but through his actions—by helping, teaching, repairing, providing, and being there when his family needed him.

Wendell was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Ann Dennis; his parents, Earl Foster Dennis and Lois Lucas Dennis; his sons, James Warren Dennis and Brian Keith Dennis; his brother, Leon Dennis and wife Angilee; his sister, Lela Strube and husband Jack; and his sister, Wanda Hardy and husband Ed.

He is survived by his stepson, Brad Gaddy and wife Beth; his grandchildren, Finley Gaddy and Ethan Gaddy; his brother, Randall Dennis and wife Janice; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Wendell leaves behind a legacy of hard work, honesty, ingenuity, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for his ability to fix nearly anything, the knowledge he willingly passed along to others, and the unwavering loyalty he showed to the people he loved. His influence will continue through the lessons he taught and the family he cared for throughout his life.

A memorial service celebrating Wendell's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at First Christian Church, 301 Highway 160, Gainesville, Missouri 65655.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.