Dennis A. Wainwright

Dennis Allen Wainwright, 70, passed away January 25th, 2026, at AdventHealth Hospital in Shawnee Mission, KS. He was born February 13th, 1955, in Council Grove, KS to Edgar and Mary Lou (Ziegler) Wainwright. He attended Alta Vista Grade School and graduated from Council Grove High School in 1973. While in high school, he enjoyed being a part of the Braves football team.

After high school Dennis attended Kansas State University for two years, and through various odd jobs, learned the trade skills of small engine repair. He was married to Wanda (Wilkerson) Timm and to this union, three children were born, Daniel, Darci and Diann Wainwright. They were later divorced.

Dennis was baptized at the Westside Christian Church in Topeka, KS and upon moving back to Council Grove, he was a member of the Council Grove Christian Church, serving on the board of deacons. During his time in Council Grove, he owned a small engine repair shop and was an ambulance driver for Morris County.

Dennis was most recently employed by Blount International/Oregon Tool Inc. in Kansas City, MO as a Technical Services Manager. He provided support and education for their product lines including outdoor equipment and chain saws, traveling to many regions of the country.

In his spare time, Dennis enjoyed woodworking and building authentic model military airplanes and tanks. He had most recently purchased a home back in Alta Vista where he enjoyed his shop and the company of his dog, Jack.

Dennis was preceded in death by his daughter, Diann Wainwright; his parents, Edgar and Mary Lou Wainwright; uncle, Virgil Ziegler, and aunt, Helen McDiffett.

He is survived by his children, Daniel (Lisa) Wainwright and Darci Wainwright both of Council Grove, KS; grandchildren, Mandy Wainwright and Gus Wainwright of Council Grove, KS; brothers, David (Nancy) Wainwright of Lake Jackson, TX, Don (Tammy) Wainwright of St. George, KS, Dale (Kris) Wainwright of Garden City, KS, Dean (Brenda) Wainwright, Wichita, KS, and Darren (Deb) Wainwright, Tonganoxie, KS. He is also survived by three nieces, one nephew, four great nephews and one great niece, as well as numerous other family and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Team Schnak Strong Fund c/o Emporia Community Foundation, Kent Schnakenberg, 2881 Rd. P, Emporia, KS 66801. The Fund provides support to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of childhood Type I Diabetes.  

Graveside services are pending and will be announced at a later date.