Dennis Kevin Fendler

In Loving Memory of Dennis Kevin Fendler

With heavy hearts and tears, we announce the passing of Dennis Kevin Fendler, a beloved brother, son, uncle and loyal friend. Dennis passed away on 11/11/2026, leaving this world far too soon, but he will be remembered in the melodies he strummed, the photographs he captured, and the much-loved memories we hold close.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Guthrie KY, with Father Ken Mikulcik and Father Albert Bremer officiating. The Fendler family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service at the church. 

A private burial will follow at a later date. 

Dennis was born on 8/12/53 in Augsburg, Germany to Donn and Mary Rose Fendler and was a 1972 graduate of Fort Campbell High School and attended Murray State University.

He spent several years in Clarksville, TN working at the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle before leaving to live and work in other cities before making Arizona his home, working at the Payson Roundup and where he enjoyed many years of life and friendship.

Photography was Dennis' passion and he was a true master behind the lens. He saw the world through angles most missed. His photography wasn't about capturing perfection - it was about finding beauty in the raw, the real, and the untamed. Much like his own spirit.

And the rodeo? For him, "El Gato," the rodeo was his second home and his muse. He was mesmerized by the energy and true tradition of the rodeo and the West, living many years in Payson, Arizona, where he documented the thrill and grit of riders and wranglers with amazing photography that told stories without words. His photos were published in the Payson Roundup and appeared in various equestrian and rodeo-related publications. This was his calling. Through his lens, he was able to capture the raw enthusiasm of the rodeo arena, the soaring riders, the bucking bulls and the spirited horses. His photographs brought to life acts of courage, heritage and the wild, breathtaking beauty of nature.

Dennis' love of music is one of the things we will always hold close when we think of him.

Whether he was playing his trumpet, strumming his guitar, or reminiscing about all his favorite musicians from the 60's and 70's, music was a part of who he was— part of our brother we will forever cherish and miss. We wish we could hear him sing and play just one more time, but we will carry his memory in our hearts whenever music brings him back to us.

Dennis was a talker through and through. He loved talking with family and friends, sharing stories and just chatting about everyday life. He never met a stranger and could turn a conversation with someone into a forever and lasting connection with that person.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Donn and Ree (Mary Rose) Fendler and survived by his three sisters, Judith King (Lewis), Bridget Fendler, Joanie Bedwell (nee Fendler), nephews, Jamison Covington (Dai), Nathaniel Covington (Eirene), Samuel Covington, Truman King (Vanessa, Michael King and niece, Katie Covington, three grandnephews along with countless friends who will miss his voice, his laughter, his storytelling, and his unwavering zest for life. He was someone who lived fully, never slowing down.

Our dear brother Dennis passed away after living with and courageously battling dementia, a devastating and cruel disease. Through all the changes the illness brought, he was always our Dennis, and we never stopped loving him. Moments of his humor and spirit would sneak out every now and then, along with that mischievous smile. We wish we could sit beside him again, hear him tell a story, or listen to him play just one more time.

More than anything, we simply miss our brother, and we will carry our love for him for the rest of our lives.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the compassionate caregivers, nurses, and staff at Ahava Healthcare Facility for their kindness, patience and dedicated care they provided to our brother throughout his battle with dementia. The gentle encouragement and respect they gave him meant so much to our family - more than words can express.

The family will share service information for Dennis when it is confirmed. They request that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate in Dennis Kevin Fendler's memory.