The Rev. Dennis Wayne Whaley, 58, of Springfield, Mo., passed into the presence of the Lord on August 22, 2010, surrounded by family and friends.
Dennis was born in Houston, Texas on July 21, 1952. He graduated in 1970 from Ross Sterling High School in Houston, Texas. He attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, Texas, from 1970-72, where he met his beloved Teena, and later was honored with its Alumnus of the Year award.
He attended Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Okla, from 1972-73, then transferred to Evangel University, Springfield, Mo., graduating in 1974. Dennis went on to do his graduate studies at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, receiving a master’s degree in Educational Administration in 1983.
Dennis was in pastoral ministry for 26 years, serving in churches in Houston, Texas, Denver, Colo., Memphis, Tenn., and Springfield, Mo. For the past nine years, Dennis served as Director of University Relations at Evangel University, where he coordinated the Association of Evangel University Family & Friends program.
Dennis was ordained in 1982 by the Assemblies of God and was a member of Central Assembly of God, Springfield, Mo. His volunteer activities were numerous, and often unseen. His home was always open to students, and his influence is best seen through the outpouring of loving comments on Facebook, including the official Dennis Whaley fan page.
His public volunteer activities included 24 years as a Fine Arts Festival judge for the
National Fine Arts Competition of the Assemblies of God, service with Convoy of Hope, the National Prayer Center, Memphis Teen Challenge, and Royal Rangers. He served on the executive board of the Evangel University Alumni Association and served as president of the Springfield Alumni Chapter. He was a graduate of Leadership Springfield and was involved with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis was an active member and past Board member of Rotary Club of Springfield-Southeast, and was honored with its Lend-A-Hand award. He was a member of the Board of the Springfield Sister Cities Association, and most recently coordinated a cultural exchange between the Evangel University baseball team and students in Tlaquepaque, Mexico.
Dennis’ main interest in life was people. He loved people, and collected friends.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kristeena “Teena” Haiduk Whaley. They were married August 17, 1974 in Amarillo, Tx. and recently celebrated with a trip through Glacier National Park. He is also survived by their daughter, Sara Elizabeth Whaley Kunau and her husband, Jason, both currently of Montgomery, AL; a brother, Taylor Miller, and his wife, Julie, of Oakland, Ca.; a sister, Annette Whaley, of Austin, Tx.; a brother-in-law, Floryan Haiduk, and his wife, Kim, of Arlington, Tx., and, a far-reaching network of friends and others influenced by Dennis’ generosity and love.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Rush and Ruth Alice Whaley.
His death was the result of complications from surgery. The family extends thanks to the staff of Cox South for its many kindnesses.
The visitation will be held at Central Assembly of God, 1301 N. Boonville, on Friday, August 27, from 5 – 8 p.m.
The celebration of Dennis’ life will be Saturday, August 28, at 10 a.m., again at Central Assembly of God, with interment at Greenlawn North.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Dennis Whaley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Mo. 65802.