Dennis Ray Whayne

Dennis Ray Whayne was born January 8, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri.

He was the youngest of two sons born to the late Wallace M. Whayne and Jeannie Christine Ingram-Whayne. Dennis was preceded in death by both parents and older brother, James Whayne, Sr. along with his ace-boon-coon/brother Nate Adams.

Dennis attended Lincoln School for three years until the Brown vs Board of Education integrated the schools in 1954. From there, he attended Boyd Elementary, Eastwood Jr. High School, and graduated from Central High School in 1963.

In 1964, Dennis moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and united in marriage to Lynne Gail Peterson. From that union, two children were born: Billy and Chrystie.

In 1972, Dennis moved back to Springfield, Missouri where his journey of political activism spawned. Along his political course, Dennis married Marva McCauley in 1989 and lovingly embraced her children and grand-children as his own.

Dennis Ray Whayne passed in peace at the age of 77. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and who shared his heart with two loving families.

He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory his two children: Billy (Sherry) and Chrystie (Charles); Brothers: Elder Paul J. (Carla) Pearson and Tommie D. Whayne; Sisters: L. Paulette (Ricardo) Bonner, Myrtle M. Pearson, and Dr. Glenda W. (Thomas) Brown; Grandchildren: Ta’Vianna, Kimberly (Harrison), J. Montre’, Kayla, Billy, Jr. (Cami), Charles (Gertrude), and Akilia; Great-Grandchildren: J’Kauri, Trenton, Trevor, Jailee, A’Mekiquai, Slaydence, Parker, Jayden, Jordan, Khalil, and Khyrie; Nieces: Debra (Richard), Kayla (Henry), Angelique, Buffy (Carrrie), and Sandrea; Nephews: James (Ramona), Andre (Marshelle), Marcus (Mariah) and an extensive host of cousins and close friends.