In Memory Of
Dennis Bernard Kelly
1954
2023
Dennis Bernard Kelly
May 3, 1954 — July 4, 2023
Dennis Bernard Kelly, 69, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
He was born May 3, 1954, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William T. Kelly and Davida F. (Jones) Thompson.
Dennis graduated from Highland Park High School in 1972 and earned his BSE in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in 1976. In 1991, he graduated from Emporia State University with his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.
He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity in education, and Topeka Alliance of Black School Educators.
In 1976, he began his teaching career at Rice Elementary School until its closure, where he briefly taught at Chase Middle School. He then began teaching at Highland Park South Elementary School, later known as Ross Elementary School, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. In 1989, he was the recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference Award. In 2000, he was named Who's Who Among National Teachers and in 2019, he received the Teacher of Influence - Kansas Governor's Scholar Program.
Survivors include four siblings, Steven Kelly, David Kelly, Kim (Joe) Johnson, and Thomas (Myisha) Thompson; five nephews, Sean Kelly, Steve Kelly, Carlos Kelly, Greg Rhodes, and Michael Johnson; six nieces, Pamela Kelly, Kristi Kelly, Tiffany Henderson, Brandi Kelly, Alicea Thompson, Imani Thompson, and Riley Thompson; special aunt, Laleta Jones; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Thomas J. Thompson, Sr., sister, Davida J. Kelly and uncle, David Jones.
Dennis was an avid Jayhawks and Chiefs fan, and was the honorary family historian. He loved his time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6-8pm Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 10th & Lane, Topeka. Funeral services will be 11am, Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Love Fellowship, 2636 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Alliance of Black School Educators, PO Box 4274, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Dennis or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born May 3, 1954, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William T. Kelly and Davida F. (Jones) Thompson.
Dennis graduated from Highland Park High School in 1972 and earned his BSE in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in 1976. In 1991, he graduated from Emporia State University with his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.
He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity in education, and Topeka Alliance of Black School Educators.
In 1976, he began his teaching career at Rice Elementary School until its closure, where he briefly taught at Chase Middle School. He then began teaching at Highland Park South Elementary School, later known as Ross Elementary School, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. In 1989, he was the recipient of the Teachers Make a Difference Award. In 2000, he was named Who's Who Among National Teachers and in 2019, he received the Teacher of Influence - Kansas Governor's Scholar Program.
Survivors include four siblings, Steven Kelly, David Kelly, Kim (Joe) Johnson, and Thomas (Myisha) Thompson; five nephews, Sean Kelly, Steve Kelly, Carlos Kelly, Greg Rhodes, and Michael Johnson; six nieces, Pamela Kelly, Kristi Kelly, Tiffany Henderson, Brandi Kelly, Alicea Thompson, Imani Thompson, and Riley Thompson; special aunt, Laleta Jones; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Thomas J. Thompson, Sr., sister, Davida J. Kelly and uncle, David Jones.
Dennis was an avid Jayhawks and Chiefs fan, and was the honorary family historian. He loved his time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6-8pm Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 10th & Lane, Topeka. Funeral services will be 11am, Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Love Fellowship, 2636 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Alliance of Black School Educators, PO Box 4274, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Dennis or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Bernard Kelly, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Love Fellowship Church
Guestbook
Visits: 5
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