Kelly, Dennis P. 1945-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Dennis P. Kelly, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. Dennis was born on July 20, 1945, in St. Joseph, to Royce and Genevieve (Drimmel) Kelly.

Dennis graduated with the class of 1964 at Christian Brothers, then later attended Hillyard Technical to study welding and training to be a electrician.

On Sept. 18, 1970, Dennis was united in marriage to Glenda (Molsberry) Campbell in Falls City, Nebraska. The couple celebrated 55 years of marriage this past September. Glenda survives of the home. Though this union, Dennis gained two children that he raised as his own, a daughter, Gina, and a son, Chad.

Dennis skillfully applied his education from Hillyard to a lifelong career as an electrician. He was proudly employed by Evergy, formerly known as St. Joe Light & Power, then later KCP&L. Dennis started as a tree trimmer, working his way up to the role of electrician, where he worked on the local substations and underground power supply. Dennis retired in 2010, after 45 dedicated years of service to the company. He belonged to the IBEW 695 and IBEW1464 Union.

Outside of work Dennis enjoyed to tinker, fabricating parts, repairing and restoring antique vehicles.

Being proud of his Irish heritage, Dennis enjoyed being a good Irishman, supporting Old Irish Customs with his buddies. St. Patrick’s Day was Dennis’ favorite holiday to celebrate in full Irish spirit and attire!

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Kelly.

Cherished survivors of Dennis are: his wife, Glenda; daughter, Gina (Hans) Nielson; son, Chad Campbell. Additional survivors include grandchildren: Megan (Chris) Cassity, Brie (John) Dudley, Zac (Kate) Campbell, Sydney (Tyler) Campbell, and Kennedy Campbell; great-grandchildren: Brenden, Gracie, Jerrick, Jace, Violet, Margot, Hendrix and Genevieve.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel of St. Joseph. Dennis has been cremated under the care and direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel.

Private family ennichement will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in the mausoleum.

In lieu of floral arrangements memorial contributions are suggested to be made to InterServ of St. Joseph or the Meals on Wheels Program for Senior Nutrition. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.