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Nunnelee Funeral Chapel

205 North Stoddard

Sikeston, Missouri

Kenneth Dement Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 15, 2013.

Kenneth Lee Dement, 80 formerly of Sikeston, was a 12 year resident of the Missouri Veteran's home in Cape Girardeau, passed away on Friday February 15, 2013.

He was born on February 13, 1933 in Poplar Bluff Mo. to the late Charles, and Ada Hudson Dement.
Kenneth had a massive stroke at the age of 51. Despite this, he always kept a positive attitude and worked hard to rehabilitate.
Kenneth had many accomplishments in his life and was most proud of his family.

He received many accolades for playing football. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998, Southeast Missouri Football Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Sikeston High School Hall of Fame in 1997.
Kenneth played football at Sikeston High School and graduated from there in 1951. He continued playing football in college and became an All-American tackle at Southeast Missouri State University from 1951-1955. His number 40 jersey was retired.

He later returned to proudly serve Southeast Missouri State University as a member of the Board of Regents from 1976-1981, including the role as its president.

After graduating from SEMO in 1955, he was drafted by the New York Giants. Instead of continuing his football career, he chose instead to serve his country, and was a member of the United States Marine Corps for two years. He was discharged in May, 1957 as a captain.
Kenneth was a graduate of Washington University School of Law in 1961. He was engaged in a very successful law practice in Sikeston until his stroke. One of his most proud moments was being interviewed by Mike Wallace of "60 minutes" regarding one of his cases.

Kenny was involved in numerous community activities over the years. Among those were serving as commissioner on the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority and being a former city attorney for Sikeston.
He is survived by four sons, Kenneth (Drew) Dement, Jr. of Sikeston, MO., Jerry (Toni) Dement of Cape Girardeau, MO., MO. and Randy (Debbie) dement of Englewood, CO, Justin (Lynn) Dement of St. Louis; two daughters, Mary (Jim) Below of Sikeston, MO. and Laura Dement of Denver, CO; 13 grandchildren, Gabe (Jennifer) Dement of Sikeston, Erin Dement of St. Louis, Ellie Miller of Nashville TN, Lindsay (Josh) Miller of Jackson, MO, Jami Dement of Cape Girardeau MO., Bryan, Eric, Kevin, and Scott Dement all of Englewood, CO, Jenny and Audrey Keller of Sikeston, MO., and Tanya Harvey and David Berger of Denver, CO; four great-grandchildren, Karleigh and Tucker Dement of Sikeston, MO and Jackson and Kylie Miller of Jackson, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard 'Dick' Dement, and a sister, Sue McCollum, and a daughter, Maureen Karen Dement.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to:
Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Department, Missouri Veteran's home in Cape Girardeau or the Sikeston Booster Club.

Visitation will be held Monday February 18, 2013 from 5-8 p.m.at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. A private interment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Dement

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Not sure what to say?

March 24, 2013

louis farris

March 3, 2013

Jenny L

This may seem quite odd because I didn't know Mr. Dement very well and haven't seen him over 15 years; however, he left an impression. I worked as a hostess at Red Lobster (during college) and I remember him coming in quite often. He drove a red vehicle at the time. Mr. Dement was always very kind and we looked forward to his frequent visits.

My heart goes out to all of his family and friends, as they grieve his death. I hope you find comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of many and that he is now in the hands of God.

February 19, 2013

TOM & SANDY MOCK

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER ! ! !
MR.KENNY WAS A DEAR, SWEET MAN AND WE WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS FOR HIM ! ! !
WE ARE SO GLAD TO HAVE SPENT THAT SPECIAL TIME AT THE CRAW FISH DINNER WITH HIM LAST FALL.

February 19, 2013

Nora F Fuchs

To the Dement children: Joe and I were out of town when we learned of your Father's passing. Please accept out most sincere sympathy. We pray that God will bless you with peace and comfort. The last time I saw your Dad was when he was sitting in his wheelchair down on the field at the SHS football stadium. As I came onto the field with the band, I always shook his hand, got a big hug, and a wonderful smile. He was a great friend! We'll miss him.

Joe and Nora Fuchs

February 18, 2013

Thinking of all of you!
We remember Kenny so well from long ago. Manuel and he worked together on many things. wish I could have a visit with all!
With deep sympathy, Pat Drumm

February 18, 2013

Linda Doran

Kenny taught by example. He was a very disciplined man who kept his integrity and sense of self throughout. He demanded excellence in himself and those around him. He loved God, family and friends. His most endearing trait was his deep devotion to his beautiful children and grandchildren. His boyish smile and young heart could charm all who met him. He adored the nurses at the MVH. Prayers go up asking that his children not suffer or grieve too long. Rest in peace dear Kenny.

February 18, 2013

Mary Catherine Keating

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. A wonderful man will be celebrated at the wake this afternoon. (a friend of Laura's)

February 18, 2013

Jim Harvey

Dear Dement Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was a wonderful man and I am honored to have known him. He will be forever missed but never forgotten. My thoughts are with you all.

February 17, 2013

Barbara Ziegenhorn

Dear Laura,Randy,Kenny,Jerry & Mary,
My last visit with Your father at MVH,was a wonderful travel down memory lane. He was so proud of you children and all of your accomplishments. It is very difficult to lose someone you love and you are never ready to give them up. Your father will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He was a symbol of success and great accomplishments and touched many lives. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss, You are in my thoughts and prayers. With loving thoughts, Barbara Ziegenhorn

February 17, 2013

David Berger

I will always remember Grandpa Ken with the fondest love. His legacy is an inspiration.

February 17, 2013

Regina and Mike Schwartz

Laura and Family...we were so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember you posting a picture of your family, with your Dad, not too long ago on Facebook. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. It's so difficult to lose a parent, but he will always be with you all...watching over you and guiding you from above.

February 17, 2013

Maria Hanschen

Ken was one great guy...He was unique and I felt honored to have known him. I am so very sorry for the family to have to say good-bye to him. I know you all have fond memories and will miss him greatly.

February 17, 2013

Judy Dooley

I was saddened to read of your father's passing. In reading his obit, this man was so loved and honored by all who knew him. Such a great man to have as a father, who I know you will truly miss. May the many, many memories you have with your father help to heal your broken heart. My prayers for comfort, healing and peace go up to God to help you and your family through this difficult time.

February 17, 2013

Laura Dement

God bless you all for caring!

February 17, 2013

Jim Hale

I grew up on Moore Avenue in Sikeston, right across the street from Kenny and the Dement family. I remember well his outstanding successes as a Bulldog and college football player and I remember the times he would play with me and others who grew up in the Moore neighborhood. He was a quality person and that trait he demonstrated throughout his life. My thoughts and prayers are with him and for his family. RIP Kenny.
Jim Hale
SHS '59

February 16, 2013

AJ, Amy, James and Adam Ricci

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Dement family. Your dad is in a much better place and at peace.

February 16, 2013

Dear Dement Children, I have such fond memories of your father, and of all of you. I can't think back to my youth with out thinking of the Dement family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Yours Sincerely,
Missy Shackelford Wilson

February 16, 2013

Sherri Montgomery

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed getting to know you Father at MVH. The advise he gave me,the laughter we shared, and all the stories! He loved all of you all very much, you were blessed.
Sherri Montgomery RN

February 16, 2013

Jessica Moore

So sorry to hear of this. I loved taking care of this man at the MVH. I always remember he would order a med. pepperoni pizza light cheese and extra pepperoni with a 20oz coke. I also asked him one time who was a good lawyer he said "ME I'm # 1 and he said his son was # 2 best in the area. He always said once a marine always a marine we are the best there is. I'll miss him.

February 15, 2013

Patty Ziegenhorn

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Your dad was a wonderful talented man.

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