Dennis “Denny” R. Clauder, age 76, passed away peacefully in his Leawood KS home on Monday May 4th, 2026.
Dennis was born in Kansas City, Kansas on Dec 24th 1949 to Harry K. and Betty J. Clauder.
Dennis started his college studies on a football scholarship at Wichita State, transferring to Emporia State shortly prior to the 1970 Wichita plane crash. He spent the last 20+ years of his employment at KCPL where his life-long taunt, “I just work for the light company kids, I don’t own it”, emerged. Dennis had a laid back and playful sense of humor.
Sports was his passion; specifically playing slow-pitch softball and supporting his Alabama Crimson Tide. Dennis played softball year-round traveling coast to coast for countless softball tournaments for over 40 years. In 2018, Dennis was inducted into the USSSA slow-pitch softball Hall of Fame.
Dennis was predeceased in death by his parents, brother Kenneth J Clauder (2019) and beloved niece Christa Maria Clauder (2016).
Dennis is survived by his children Dennis J. (Shanell) Clauder, Shawnee KS, Darrin (Andrea) Clauder, Louisburg KS, Danean Irizarry, Ocala FL and Tina Clauder of Kansas City, MO with 11 Grandchildren as well as 5 great grand-children.
Services will be held on Thursday May 14th, 2026 at Porter Funeral Home in Kansas City KS. Visitation at 1:00 pm with services following at 2:00 pm.