July 9, 1952- July 26, 2022

Dennis came from a large family. His father was an instructor for the US Army and they moved frequently. He was taught to be self-sufficient and appreciate life. His first job was at a gas station in Wichita KS. The owner saw potential in him and sent him to free classes where he first learned auto mechanic skills. When his father retired, he moved to the Leavenworth area. Dennis took a job at Montgomery Ward delivering furniture and appliances. He also volunteered at the Red Cross. This was when he learned about an opportunity to work for the Kansas City Kansas Fire department. He trained as a Mobile Intensive Care Technician for the KARE ambulance service. Dennis spent years saving lives and helping the people of Wyandotte County “bringing the ER to the field”. In 1995 the KARE ambulance service was discontinued andDennis trained to be a firefighter for the fire department. Dennis spent the remaining years of his career working on Pumper 7 in Argentine. Dennis enjoyed his time at the fire station, the camaraderie with his crew and helping the people in his community. Dennis retired from the fire department in 2008 but never lost his love for the job. 

On his days off from the fire department, Dennis worked as an auto mechanic at WalMart. He eventually moved into the hardware department and finally into electronics. His friendly and knowledgeable help was known by many. Dennis spent over 30 years with Walmart.

In 2018, a tumor was found in his lung. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation for lung cancer at KU Medical Center. He had a lobe of his lung removed in October 2019. He defeated lung cancer and was recovering when the cancer came back and spread throughout his body. The treatment took a toll on his body and he lost weight and became very weak. But he never lost his spirit. 

Dennis was kind and caring. He was smart, fun and insightful. He loved his family and was always generous with his time and passed along his knowledge. He helped his friends and family with all things automotive, electronic or computer related. He enjoyed working on anything and if he didn’t know how to do something he would research it and figure it out.

Dennis loved to fish and took his family every summer to his beloved Bemidji Minnesota where he had gone since his childhood. Dennis also loved his fall trips to Canada. He and Anne loved to travel, enjoying trips to National Parks as well as Hawaii, Alaska and Cancun. A special memory was when he took Anne to Branson after discovering a singer who sang Anne’s favorite John Denver songs. 

A Christian Dennis was thankful for his God, his family and friends and was at peace. We are so thankful we were able to share his life, he made us better

Many thanks to the doctors nurses and staff at KU Medical Center who helped Dennis. Thank you to Dr. David Johnson his general practitioner. 

Thank you to the men and women of the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department who will always be family! Thank you to the employees and customers at Walmart. Dennis loved you all.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Anne. His daughter Jennifer Menzies and her husband Travis. His granddaughters Audrey and Lucy Menzies. His sister Pam Sestini and her husband Rick. Brother Michael Cox. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Margaret (Hill) Cox, and his brothers Donald Cox and David Cox.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.