Denny Chenoweth

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Dennis ‘Denny’ Chenoweth was born October 21, 1949 in Joplin, Missouri, one of four children to Joe Harry and Gloria (Shea) Chenoweth. He entered into rest on December 2, 2020, following a short illness in Neosho at the age of 71. 

Denny was a lifelong area resident and graduated from East Newton High School in 1968. Following graduation from high school, he earned his associates degree from Crowder College and his bachelor’s degree from MSSC, now MSSU. 

He began his career in education teaching at Cassville for a short time, then at McDonald County for twelve years, East Newton two years and at Neosho R-5 schools until his retirement in 2003. In addition to teaching, Denny was head basketball coach at McDonald County, East Newton, and Neosho. 

His Neosho High School basketball team won the district and sectional championship in 2002, and he recorded over 300 plus wins during his coaching career. In addition to coaching basketball, he assisted with football, track and softball. 

Following his teaching career, he became a licensed insurance agent for Missouri Farm Bureau where he worked until his illness. During his insurance career, he met and made many friends. Denny was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. 

His biggest joy was derived from his family, especially his grandchildren. Denny completely adored his four dachshunds, Snuggles, Baby Katie, and Elwood, who were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge, and Maggie Mae, his constant companion, who looked forward to their Sunday morning drives. He enjoyed doing yardwork, keeping the pool ready for grandchildren and seeing and reminiscing with former players and students. He was a member of the Neosho United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and a member of the Disciplers Sunday School Class. 

Denny and Carol (Patterson) were married on December 18, 1993 at the Neosho United Methodist Church and she survives. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Hailey (Adam) Babbitt of Neosho; Teresa (Tim) Simon of Neosho and Jessica (Caleb) Powell of Webb City; seven grandchildren, Dakota Simon, Blaine Babbitt, Olivia Simon, Brynlee Babbitt, Briella Babbitt, Poppy Powell and Rigby Powell; his mother, Gloria Chenoweth of Harrisonville, Missouri; one sister, Joanne (Darrell) Myers of Harrisonville; two brothers, Tim (Jennie) Chenoweth of Mazon, Illinois and Joe Harry (Brenda) Chenoweth of Harrisonville and his mother in law, Mary Jane Patterson of Neosho. 

He is preceded in death by his father. 

Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho on Monday from noon until 7 pm and Tuesday from 9 am until 5 pm. The family requests that anyone attending viewing/visitation to please wear a mask. Private family services will be held. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Denny may be made to Crowder College Foundation for a scholarship in his honor or Faithful Friends Animal Advocates, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.