Dennis L. Funderburke, Sr.

Dennis Lamar Funderburke Sr. was born on October 10, 1970, the youngest child of James and Bettye Canady Funderburke. He passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Centerpoint Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Dennis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and grew up in the Metropolitan AME Zion Church family. He attended Raytown schools and dedicated many years of service to American National Insurance, where he later retired as a Sales Manager. Never one to sit still, Dennis went on to pursue entrepreneurship, providing business services throughout the greater Kansas City area.

Dennis was a loving and devoted father who found his greatest joy in spending time with his children. Like his father and older brother before him, he had a deep love for music — blues, gospel, and R&B — music that often announced his arrival, playing from his car long before he came into view. Dennis loved traveling and often brought his entire family along for vacations, weekend getaways, and cruises. He cherished family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and making lasting memories with loved ones. He appreciated the finer things in life, took pride in dressing sharp, enjoyed the latest electronics, and spent his retirement relaxing and watching movies.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, James Funderburke Sr.; his brother, James Funderburke Jr.; his daughter, Dy'Shai Denise Funderburke; and his nephew, Jamell Funderburke.

Dennis leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Bettye Funderburke; two daughters: Alisha Funderburke and Doniesha Funderburke; two sons: Dennis Funderburke Jr. and Masyn Funderburke; one grandson, Ashaude Funderburke-Woodley; and three children he loved and cherished as his own: James Adams, Kash'a Adams, and Dai'Quan Adams; along with granddaughters: Au’monie Dixon and K’avi Adams. He is also survived by his sister, Jocelyn “Dee” Worley (James); along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Though he is no longer with us, the love Dennis gave and the memories he created will remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.

We loved him dearly, but God loved him more and called him home.