Dennis was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather “Papa”. He shared 50 years of marriage with his wife, Vicki and cherished spending time with his family. He loved grilling, feeding his radiance of Cardinals in the backyard, taking long road trips to visit old friends, family, and absolutely all historical landmarks and monuments along the way. Dennis also looked forward to the families annual “get-away”. Every summer the whole family (all 16) would rent a VRBO somewhere fun and spend 4-5 days swimming, boating and making S’mores. Wonderful memories were made and it was a perfect family time.
A dedicated volunteer, Dennis gave thousands of hours of service to Flourish Furniture Bank, where he formed many close friendships and took great pride in the organization’s mission. Some of his most meaningful moments were volunteering alongside his grandchildren.
Dennis retired, as a Regional Sales Manager, in 2014 from Illinois Tool Works with 38 years of service. Throughout his career, he was recognized multiple times with the company’s Peak Performer Award for outstanding sales achievement.
Born in June 1949 in Council Bluffs, IA to Robert and Dorothy (Jensen) Smith. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1967 and received a BA in Math and History in 1971 from the University of South Dakota. He served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1977.
Dennis and Vicki had a very happy retirement filled with wonderful family time, closely following the activities of their eight “Grands”. Dennis always made every effort to attend their sporting events, concerts and milestones, a role he embraced with pride and joy. Dennis and Vicki also traveled extensively abroad and all over the continental US. The best adventures included landing on a glacier in Alaska, walking the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, swimming with the stingrays in the Cayman Islands, traversing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, strolling through Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and walking the beaches of Normandy, France.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Vicki of 50 years, two sons, Brandon (Carolyn) Smith, Jordan (Jaime) Smith, and daughter Brittney (Greg) Nelson and eight “Grands” Jaxon, Mason, Weston, Kensingtyn, Grayson and Davis Smith, Lucas and Avery Nelson.
Celebration of Life will be at 11:30am on Friday, April 17, 2026
Wesley Chapel. at the Church of the Resurrection 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, Kansas 66224. Reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dennis Smith Memorial c/o Flourish Furniture Bank, 11971 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030.
