Dennis Irvin Kuempel

Dennis Irvin Kuempel Sr.  of Amarillo Texas departed this earth on April 15, 2024, at the age of 79 and walked straight into the arms of Jesus.   

Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  A memorial service to celebrate Dennis's life will be held at Arden Road Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas on April 18, 2024, at 10:00 am with Pastor Rustin Rice, nephew of the deceased officiating. Following the memorial service, visitation will occur in Pampa Texas at First Baptist Church fellowship hall from 12:30-1:50 pm, preceding the graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Pampa at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

He was born on July 29th, 1944, to Herman and Dorothy Kuempel in Taylor, Texas where he spent his childhood prior to moving to Yoakum Texas to finish high school in 1963. Following high school, he attended Texas Tech University earning his bachelor’s in marketing in 1967. While attending Tech, Dennis met his lifelong partner and love Gay Nann Vanderburg.  Dennis with a fine tenor voice would often serenade Gay outside of her window at Weeks dorm.  They made some wonderful memories in Lubbock and later married in Pampa, Texas June 11, 1965.  

Following graduation, Dennis spent several years working for Xerox and other business entities living in Midland, and Houston before moving his family to Pampa, Texas.  In Pampa, he, and Gay operated Rice’s Garden center before venturing into the oil and gas industry with Energy-Agri. While residing in Pampa, Dennis was a member of the First Baptist Church where he led bible study for youth and young adults.  He was especially passionate about teaching the book of Revelation.  He was a member of the optimist club and was the proud coach of the Pampa Packers for 10 years.  He loved coaching and instructing the youth and taking on challenges and he applied himself completely at each new endeavor. Dennis and Gay moved to Austin in 1986 where Dennis and Cousin Donald opened Living Proof Sprinkler company, but after a few years they yearned to return to the Texas Panhandle.  Dennis was skilled in business communications and worked several more years in that sector before retiring in 2012.  Dennis and Gay had two children together Dennis Jr, and Gina Darleen.  

Dennis was typically always in motion and enjoyed being active most of his life. He enjoyed running, swimming, and cycling, but racquetball was a special love for him, and he would play it tirelessly.  Dennis loved being outdoors and was a great chef, gardener, and the best BBQ cook around.  Family could show up frequently on the weekends to find a smoker full of ribs or brisket, and some home-made BBQ sauce.  “Whatcha cooking Kuempel?” often heard around the smoker.  He loved cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and Red Raiders, but nothing brought him greater pleasure than cheering his son and later his grandchildren on in their sporting events.  He was a constant presence on the sidelines, assisting in coaching, or driving them to their sporting events or camps, and never missing a game or a function.  He loved spending summers in Ruidoso at the family cabin, fishing with his grandsons, and making trips to Wagyu events with his son.  He loved the holiday meals at his daughter’s house followed with, “that’s delicious, and I’m full” on repeat.  He also loved spending time with his dogs, taking his beloved Gus and Katy on walks and feeding them all they desired.  Dennis loved to joke, and enjoyed making others laugh, an attribute he possessed until the very end.  

Dennis was known for his integrity, work ethic, passion, and his generosity.  His generosity remained despite his financial circumstances.  He would find a way to help a family member or friend, often without them knowing. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, whose love knew no bounds. Dennis's presence brought laughter and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will forever be treasured by those whose lives he touched.

Dennis was proceeded in death by his father Herman and his mother Dorothy.  

He is survived by his beloved and faithful wife, Gay; son, Dennis Irvin Kuempel, Jr and wife Brenda; daughter, Gina Darleen Cravey and husband Matthew;  sister, Kaye Kaiser and husband Butch; grandchildren, Michael Christian Puschman, James Tyler Puschman and wife Hailee, Joshua Garrett Puschman, Payton Grace Cochran, Gunnar Stevens, Garrison Stevens, and Gracelin Stevens, Sarah Ochsankehl and husband Andy and children William, Maddie, and Samantha, Logan Cravey, Morgan Cravey, and only great granddaughter, Josie James Puschman.   He was loved by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and much extended family.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Arden Road Baptist Church, 6701 Arden Rd, Amarillo, Texas 79109.