Dennis McIlvain

Dennis Ray McIlvain passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, in Ottawa, Kansas.

Dennis was born July 21, 1949, in Emporia, Kansas to Robert Earl and Mary Elizabeth McIlvain. Dennis graduated from Central Heights High School and went on to earn his associate degree. In his working life, he served as Chief Cat-scan Tech for North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, a role that reflected both skill and dedication.

Dennis was known for a strong personality, a booming voice, and a loud laugh. Everyone knew when he had arrived on the scene. He loved fishing, hunting, and camping, and he especially enjoyed camping trips with his wife, Lois, family, and friends to Melvern Lake. Earlier in life, he enjoyed playing the drums and guitar. He also loved western movies, nature shows, and hunting shows. Gifted with his hands, he enjoyed creating and building and was especially talented in leatherworking and woodworking. Among his notable accomplishments was creating a replica Mountain Man Saddle for the Smithsonian.

Above all, Dennis was proud of his family. He married Lois Gambrel on April 16, 1983, and that marriage remained central to his life.

He is survived by his son, Dustin McIlvain (Sara); his daughters, Dana York (David); Deanna Starshine; and his devoted sister, Earlene Schulz (Jim). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Danielle York, Darci Sanborn, Derek York, Dillon McIlvain, and Kylie McIlvain, as well as his great-grandchild, Wallace McIlvain. Each of them carries forward memories of his presence, his talents, and the unmistakable energy he brought into a room.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his father, Robert Earl McIlvain; his mother, Mary Elizabeth McIlvain; and his brothers, David Lee McIlvain and Clarence McIlvain.

Visitation will be held on October 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Crematory, 235 S Hickory St, Ottawa, Kansas. A graveside service will follow from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ruhamah Cemetery, 4190 Jackson Road, Rantoul, Kansas.

Dennis McIlvain will be remembered for his devotion to family, his craftsmanship, his love of the outdoors, and the unforgettable voice and laughter that marked his presence so clearly.

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