Dennis Ray Fadler, 73, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2025. He was born in Moberly, Missouri, to Raymond T. and Helen L. (Fuhrman) Fadler. Dennis grew up in Moberly, Shelbina, and Marceline, Missouri, graduating from Marceline High School in 1971, the year of the tornado, an experience he never forgot.
Dennis attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, joking that he “majored in pool and pinball,” but as an art major, his talent was undeniable. To this day, one of his woodworking pieces is proudly displayed in the lobby of the Mizzou Hillel Center.
On June 20, 1975, Dennis married Lee Ann Case, beginning a 50-year journey together. They lived in Chillicothe, Illinois, before returning to Marceline in 1979 and later settling in Smithville in 1988. They raised two children during that time and devoted themselves to their family and to their communities, creating many dear friendships along the way.
Dennis worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years as a fireman, conductor, and locomotive engineer until his retirement in 2011. He was a proud member of the United Transportation Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
Faith and service were central to Dennis’s life. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church since 1988, serving as Parish Council President (1993–94) and as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 9272 (2015–17). He could always organize a great pancake breakfast or fish fry.
Dennis loved hunting and spending time at the family farm, woodworking, creating wooden puzzles to give as gifts, organizing Halloween haunted houses, and cheering on local sports teams. He gave countless hours to the youth baseball, wrestling and football programs in Platte County. He loved classic rock and folk music, and was a skillful card player.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, his children, Melissa Fadler-Prothro (Chris) of Roman Forest, Texas, and Tyler Fadler (Kara) of Platte City, Missouri; grandchildren Grant and Emily Fadler; step-grandchildren; and extended family including step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law.
Dennis will be remembered with love for his humor, creativity, and unwavering devotion to his family and his community.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. CST on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, Missouri, followed by visitation. He will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who ever lost to Dennis at cards can settle up by making a donation to the Salvation Army, whose help during the 1971 tornado he never forgot, or to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, Missouri.
