Thomas Michael Dennis

Mike Dennis, 69, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 8, 2024. Born on July 4, 1955 in Fort Riley, Kansas, Mike spent his childhood in Okinawa, Japan, and later in Independence, Missouri. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his sons, Matthew and Kyle; his granddaughters, Louise (who he called “L”), Maggie, Ellie, and Abby; his daughters-in-law, Jess and Suzi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Shirley, and his loyal canine companion, Duncan.

A graduate of Fort Osage High School, he began his career in marketing and film at Calvin Productions, where he shot commercials for local and national brands. This led to nearly three decades as the founding Director of Film and Video Operations for the coaching division at the Kansas City Chiefs. His groundbreaking work in videography and photography helped bring generations of fans closer to the players they loved. Mike had a lasting impact on the NFL’s approach to film study, including creating peer-to-peer film exchange networks for teams and leading the transition to digital video in the '90s. Over the years, Mike's camera lens followed legends of football, baseball, and music alike, ranging from NFL Pro Bowls to backstage tours and documentary footage of music icons. After retiring from the Chiefs, Mike ventured into entrepreneurship as the owner-operator of Grain Valley Truck Sales. He later returned to videography, becoming a Certified Legal Video Specialist and performing video depositions for Lexitas.

Beyond his professional life, Mike was a man of varied passions. He was an avid angler, an audiophile with a meticulously curated record collection, and a devoted family man who loved spending time with Bonnie and their family. Whether traveling, perfecting a recipe, or cracking jokes, he approached each day with the excitement of a child and the heart of a storyteller. He was a collector of experiences, a seeker of the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, a master at finding a good deal, and the kind of person who was always ready to tell or listen to a great story. His last act was a testament to his love for his wife of 47 years: purchasing two ZZ Top tickets and two blueberry muffins. Mike’s humor, generosity, small talk, and storytelling will be missed by all who knew him. 

 In accordance with Mike's wishes, there will be no formal service. However, the family intends to hold a gathering at a later date to celebrate his life. Please honor Mike by sharing a favorite meal, drink or recipe with a friend, or striking up a conversation with a complete stranger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s memory to the C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation (https://castforkids.org) or the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org). Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.