Stephen Scott Dennis began his new life with the Lord on May 2nd, 2016 at the age of 52. He was born on July 7, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri to Cary Franks Dennis and Sondra Kay Dennis (Riemenschnitter). He was the younger of two children and lived his whole life in Grandview, Missouri. Graduating from Grandview High School in 1981, Steve went onto Baylor University, transferring on a track scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he completed his Bachelor of Art degree in Graphic Design.
Steve was a multisport athlete but exceled in track and field as a decathlete. He was named All American for 3 years of his collegiate career and was part of the University of Arkansas Triple Crown Championship. In 1984, he was ranked 10th in the world in the decathlon.
Steve married the love of his life, Kelli Lee Moldrup, in March of 1989. They had three children: Tyler Stephen, Cody Scott, and Aubree Nicole. He served in the Naval Reserves for 11 years, achieving the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. Steve received numerous commendations including Honor Recruit in boot camp, 5 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Meritorious Service Award.
He served as Grandview Alderman for 10 years and proudly served as Mayor for 3. During his time in public office, Steve served on the Beyond 2000 Commission where he received two Awards of Merit in 2001 and was the key figure in the inspiration and completion of The View, Grandview’s community center. In 2003, he also earned the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. Steve and his wife were prominent in revitalizing the Truman Heritage Festival. As a visionary and Grandview’s greatest cheerleader, Steve was the impetus for Truman’s Marketplace, the Main Street redevelopment project, and the upcoming Grandview Sports Village.
He was a member of Metro Christian Fellowship for nearly 30 years, a member of the Grandview Historical Society, and served on the Navy Funeral Honors Detail.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived and celebrated by his wife, Kelli; three children Tyler, Cody, and Aubree; and sister Shelley in Buena Vista, CO.
His life will be celebrated on May 15th at 2:00pm at Abundant Life Baptist Church, 304 SW Persels Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Reception to follow.
Steve was a man of integrity and will be greatly missed by so many in the community, his numerous friends, but mostly by his family.
Contributions can be made to
The Steve Dennis Memorial Family Fund.
12821 Manchester, Grandview, MO 64030
or
c/o Andover State Bank
PO Box 278
Andover, KS 67002
I am deeply sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a Christian and compassionate man of integrity and brought our town back to the map after deteriorating for many years, He remarkably knew everyone’s name. He always had a smile on his face and cared about everyone. “The Ladies on Botts Road” will always remember how personable he was and we will always remember his great leadership and friendship. Our prayers are with his lovely wife and children at this sad time. Please know he was appreciated and loved by many Grandview citizens. God bless.
Dear Kelli and Family:
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you all in Steve’s passing. I was very sad to hear of it. He was a remarkable man and I enjoyed working with him over the years. He always had a great smile and was always so outgoing. He definitely was proud to be from Grandview and did some great things for the City. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time and hope that great memories, caring friends and relatives and a loving God will wrap you all in the peace that passes all understanding.
God’s blessing and comfort to you all in the days ahead!
My deepest condolences to you and your family Kelli. I’m going to miss him so much, every morning he waved and smiled at me and we will always talk about the weather. I am very much going to miss that beautiful smile and the friendly gestures that he was always giving me in the mornings. Kelli during this time of grievance, I want you to always remember God is your strength and you have family and friends to be there for you and your children. Again my deepest condolence to you and your family I love you Kelli and may God be with you and the children, giving you guys the strength in the days to come.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Stephen and send you my sincere condolences. May you find comfort from God’s word at Revelation 21:3,4 and John 5:28,29. Heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Condolences to the Dennis family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
I am just now learning that Steve passed away. While I didn’t know him very well, what I did know was kindness, and his love of people and his community. I am very sorry to hear about this and send my heartfelt condolences to his family. May God sustain you.
I was fortunate to be a friend of Steve. We would sit for hours and talk about family, God, hopes and dreams. He was so proud of his family and always spoke of them often. I am a better person for having Steve as my friend. I look forward to seeing Steve again in heaven. May God always bless you and your family.