I had the privilege of working for Denny while at Ramstein from 1985-88.  He was a character that I quickly came to admire. He did mentor. He did strive to bring out the best in people. Creative people. Which we can be challenging! I only saw him rattled when he was confronted with blatant BS. He protected his people and the products of our efforts. His door was always open. He always had time. For me, it was pure fun and rewarding. The legacy he leaves behind are memories we will cherish and benefit from.

Dad passed peacefully. Thanks to Shawn we did manage to get him away from the ICU and into a quiet room. I took the ride with him in the ambulance and I sat with him bedside. He was in a complete state of peace when he passed. Thank you all for making a difference in his life. He was laid to rest April 8 in Arlington to a 21.gun salute.

I miss our weekly chats bud.   It was late December when you told me the Docs said that your time was almost up.  The lights, whistles and bells of the ICU were making you crazy.  A few days later, they transferred you to a Senior Center near your beloved K'Town Soccer stadium at the Betzenburg.  You were thankful for the escape and the peace. Then you left us a few days later. You didn’t want to see 2024.  Too much pain.
Denny and I rambled on about the fortunes and failures of our favorite FCK soccer team every call. Mostly though, we rehashed old times from mutual radio and tv assignments and other adventures.  Each time, we regurgitated hundreds of stories with a new twist.  It was like two old timers sharing a conversation, a morning coffee, and shouting at the passing traffic.  He was quick witted and funny, boosting his popularity everywhere he landed.
Denny gained recognition as a tremendous talent in military broadcasting circles.  His accomplishments were extraordinary and legendary.  “The old redhead” as he was nicknamed from his Scotch-Irish heritage, was in a league of his own as a pro, earning him the title as a broadcaster's broadcaster.  Denny always treated his staff with fairness and dignity; teaching and mentoring along the way. Overbearing leaders riled him and he paid the price for calling out abuse when he saw it.  Many friends reached out to Denny during his last year, hoping he would overcome the odds, but in the end he didn't and quietly left us.   
I miss you bud, may you rest in peace and thanks for all the goodness you shared.

Denny and us go way back! He worked with my husband for many years and he was also the translator at our wedding in Wiesbaden and we stayed in close contact over all these years.  While living in the Kaiserslautern area he got together regularly with my hubby  at the Hofbräu Haus and watched his beloved FCK soccer team play. When we visited Germany we got together when possible and shared great times together with a good meal and drinks.
Denny will be missed very much by us and so many other people. We will not forget our times together and keep his memory alive.
Much love to his family 
Hannelore and Dan Simmons

OBITUARIO

Dennis Patrick McKell

5 abril, 1939 – 30 diciembre, 2023

Murphy Funeral Homes

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios