Donald "Beaver" Dennis, 85, was born June 27, 1933 to Leroy and Jennie Dennis. He was the youngest of eight children born to this union. As a young child he always kept a toothpick in his mouth and that is where he got the nickname "Beaver". Most people didn't know his real name was Donald.

Donald received his education in the KCMO school district attending W.W. Yates and R.T. Coles Vocational Junior High School. He joined the United States Army in 1953, serving in the Korean War as an 84th Combat Engineer, and received an honorable discharge.

Donald worked for the City of Kansas City as a truck driver for the Street Repairs Division and for the Parks and Recreation Department. In 1964 he started his career at Ford Motor Company - Claycomo, retiring after 40 years in 2004.

On January 10, 1961 he married Barbara J. Roberson and to that union four daughters were born: Donna, Deandra, Jennita and Stephanie. People always knew this duo as "Beaver and Bobbie", and the four girls were always known as "The Little Beavers". He and Barbara were the owners of Jones Barbershop and Billiard Hall in the Historic 18th & Vine District (1514 East 18th Street). His love of jazz, blues, big band music and the legacy of being a Ford employee will live forever. His siblings (except for him and his sister Grace) were known around the country as exceptionally talented musicians, and he was extremely proud of them never missing a moment to share this story.

Donald joined and was baptized at Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 1979 under the leadership of the late Rev. A.L. Johnson, Sr., and in 2003, he joined Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kim L. Gladney where was a faithful member of the Men's Bible Study and "Men of Promise". He always had a big smile when entered Oak Grove and his greeting was always "Another Blessed Day".

Beaver gained his wings on Friday, April 5, 2019 at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, his siblings, and his best friends Bill Washington and Henry Durham.

He leaves to forever cherish his love and memory: his wife of 58 years, Barbara "Bobbie" Dennis; daughters, Donna Dennis of Dallas, GA, Deandra "DeeDee" Dennis of Irving, TX, Jennita Dennis-Price, and Stephanie (his son Robert) Adams of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter and the joy of his life, Courtney Adams (Damond Roe); great grandchildren, Nevaeh Roe, Damond Roe, Jr., and Leekendrick Adams; God grandchildren, Roman and Kingston Ford; extended sons, Ernest Wells and Charles Shelton; extended daughters, Jackie Smith, Pam Pearson, Terrie Payne, and Betty Edwards; best friends, Miller Rainey, Reece Holmes, Raymond Jones, and Evern Thrower; nephew, Walter Kirby; niece, Patricia Simpson; great nephew, Walter Kirby, Jr.; great nieces, Lindsey and Ashlee Harris and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, kids who considered him as "PaPa" and friends.There are no words that can explain how much he will be missed by his family, and any and everyone who was privileged enough to know him.

Funeral services Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. at New Vision Christian Church. Private disposition. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Mr. Dennis will lie in state Friday, April 12, 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.