Dennis Eugene Watley

Dennis Eugene Watley, 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away in his home in Houston, Texas on Friday, December 30, 2022. Dennis graduated from Van Horn High School in 1966, where he and his older brother Ralph were quite the duo on the basketball team. He later went on to play basketball at William Jewell College. After college he enlisted in the US Army where he served as a medic in the Army Reserves. Dennis had successful careers with National Steel and D.W. Newcomer’s Sons before taking a job with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989 where he worked for 17 years until his retirement, culminating in his final role as Senior Vice President. During his time with the Chiefs he built lifelong relationships, traveled the world and had so many memorable experiences that he always cherished. Dennis loved life and certainly lived it to the fullest. He had the biggest smile and an even bigger heart, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and grandkids. He was the best dad and grandpa and had a special bond with each of his four children and six grandkids. He was an active part of carpool duty for his oldest granddaughters, and never missed a moment of fun if the grandkids were involved, whether it be riding roller coasters, playing in the pool or football in the yard. Dennis moved to Texas to enjoy warmer weather and be close to family during his retirement years. He was an avid sports fan and if he wasn’t catching the latest game on TV, you could find him spending his days playing golf, reading a good book, going to the movies, or traveling the country playing pickleball which he built a love for even before it was “cool”. Dennis had such a full and wonderful life and spent his last days celebrating the holidays with family and friends, memories which will be cherished forever. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Elvira Watley; Father, Ralph Watley Sr.; Brother, Ralph Watley Jr. and Leslie Jean (Fields) Watley. He is survived by his daughters, Shelby Bybee, Lori Watley, Ellen (Brian) Woltkamp; son Matthew (Lauren) Watley; Carolyn Watley; six beloved grandchildren, Malia, Ava, Gavin, Harry, Maren and Frank; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO, with a reception immediately following at the Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNELYZXFBW