10/21/2021
A former long time volunteer for Higginsville Fire. Prayers for his family.
Dennis "Denny" Ray Wahn, 69 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington, Missouri.
He was born Thursday, August 21, 1952 in Higginsville and was the son of the late Elmer Wahn Jr. and Shirley Wahn of Higginsville, and the late Betty and Leland Schelp. Denny attended Lafayette County C-1 High School in Higginsville. He was the loving husband of Jennifer Wahn (Anderson).
He spent his career working in commercial maintenance for the Lafayette County C-1 School District, Higginsville Parks and Rec., and also spent some time working for the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Concordia, Missouri. He was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ. Denny enjoyed fishing, hunting, and loved camping. He was an avid sports fan and was a faithful fan of the Chiefs, Royals, and Mizzou.
His passion in life was local sports. He spent 35 years umpiring and officiating baseball, softball and basketball games. He coached baseball and softball for 30 plus years. He had a hand in bringing little league football to Higginsville. He won two state softball championships, had many local baseball world series appearances, had two players make the all national USSSA team, and had a pitcher drafted to the minor leagues. Denny loved coaching his children, grandchildren and "adopted players" over the years. Not only did he coach thousands of kids over three decades, he mentored and influenced all of his athletes. He enjoyed watching them grow up and mature into young men and women.
His absence will be deeply felt by this community, his friends and his loved ones. He will be truly missed by all who came to know him.
Surviving are his wife, Jennifer of the home; step-mother, Shirley Wahn of Higginsville; one son, Jeff (Dakota) Wahn of Lexington, three daughters, Jennifer (Cory) Zuehlsdorf of Higginsville, Jamie Box of Lexington, and Madison Wahn of the home; three brothers, Doug (Phyllis) Wahn of Lee's Summit, MO, Rick (Wanda) Wahn of Attalla, AL, Brian (Sherry) Wahn of Blue Springs, MO; two half brothers, Tim Schelp of Sweet Springs, MO, Mark Schelp of Concordia; seven grandchildren, Tanner (Morgan) Wahn, Cameron (Haylee) Zuehlsdorf, Hunter Zuehlsdorf (Randi O'Reilly), Dakota Hall, Brienna Nichols, Alie Nichols, Mekenzie Box; five great-grandchildren, Brexley, Blake, Sawyer, Hudson, and Camden.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Wahn Jr.; mother, Betty Schelp; step-father, Leland Schelp; and one sister, Connie Bayless.
The family will receive friends from 4pm-7pm on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Salem United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris officiating. Interment will follow in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Tanner Wahn, Cory Zuehlsdorf, Cameron Zuehlsdorf, Hunter Zuehlsdorf, Mark Kays, Shane Cooper. Honorary Casket Bearers: Dakota Hall, Aaron Haynes, Russ Mayden, Dan Rumsey.
Memorial contributions may be made out to Family Choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com