Dave Fenley

David Fenley, 70, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in Kansas City on March 9, 2025. Born on November 6, 1954 in the small farm town of Troy, Kansas to Archie and Lillian (Wiskowski) Fenley, Dave's life was marked by his love for what’s become known as his ‘four Fs’: family, faith, football, and the firm.

Dave valued education and was a proud Washburn University alumnus. He graduated in 1976 with his Bachelor’s in business and accounting, completed his law degree in 1979, and earned his CPA after his formal education. His involvement with his alma mater continued for the rest of his life – from a teaching stint, to ardently cheering on the football team with his Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers, to giving charitably.

Dave put his heart and soul into his work and work family. His legal career spanned over four decades, beginning at one of the region’s most respected firms, Blackwell Sanders (now Husch Blackwell), where he served for 38 years. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the growth and revitalization of Kansas City’s metropolitan area and served as the chairman for eleven years. After leaving management, he spent the final years of his career at Dentons, where he got to revisit his love of practicing commercial real estate law.

One of his greatest legacies extends beyond the field of law. Dave was a highly engaged civic leader, serving as a member of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, board member of the Truman Medical Center Charitable Foundation, Emanuel Cleaver’s campaign treasurer, and a Trustee of Washburn University Foundation, among others. But above all, Dave will be remembered for his generosity, offbeat charm, and the pride he took in his family (and the Kansas City Chiefs).

He was married to Hannah Bacon Fenley for 28 years, and together they raised their children, whom he supported and deeply loved. Dave is survived by his children: son Paul Fenley and his wife, Mackenzie, of Tulsa, OK, along with their son, Graham; and daughter Ann (Fenley) Harrison and her husband, Morgan, of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his sister, Geri Lynn (Fenley) Parscale, of Lawrence, KS, and his brother, Mark Fenley and his wife, Marillyn, of Troy, KS, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Visitation Parish, located at 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. Friends may greet the family during the visitation starting at 9:30, followed by a rosary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City in Dave's honor.