Denzell Ekey

Denzell Brooke Ekey, 80, passed away Dec. 25 at Midland Respite in Topeka, KS. Denzell was born October 9, 1930 near Codell, Rooks County, KS to Emery S. and Lura (Overholser) Ekey. He graduated from Codell High School in 1948. After receiving a BS in Industrial Arts from Fort Hays State University in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving as a weather observer in Korea and MacDill AFB, FL 1952-56. He received a MS in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University in 1957 and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. He was a teacher at Turon and then the superintendent of schools at Jamestown. Starting in 1963, he worked for the Kansas State Department of Education as an Education Specialist and the Director of Civil Defense Education and Training. His Specialist Degree in Safety Education was from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO in 1970. In 1971 he founded Safety Consulting, Inc. in Topeka and was the president until he retired in 1996. During this time he became known nationwide for his expertise as a safety consultant and expert witness.

Denzell held life memberships in the Association of School Administrators, National Education Association and National Fire Protection Association. He was a life member and past president of Veterans of Safety and the American Academy of Safety Education. Locally he served on the Board of Directors of Midland Hospice, as a volunteer for Stormont Vail Hospice and volunteer Ombudsman for Aldersgate Village. Hobbies included traveling, flying his own plane and garage sales.

Denzell is survived by his loving wife, Mary McCormick Ekey of the home and brother, Doyle Ekey (Ruby) Topeka, his children Dirk Ekey, Santa Clara, CA; Kay Ekey, Hot Springs, AR; Scott Ekey (Rosanna), London, England, and granddaughter Jessica Ekey (John Westerhaus), Overland Park, KS; His second wife Sally Bennett Ekey, Merriam, KS; step-children Steve Bennett, Tulsa OK; David Bennett (Jin Sook), Biloxi, MS; Julie Bennett Desmelik (Mike), Stone Mountain, GA; Mark McCormick (Shannon), Olathe, KS; Dale McCormick, Lansing, KS; and 10 step-grandchildren. Preceding Denzell in death were his first wife, Thelma Fritzler Ekey; his parents and an infant brother.

Visitation will be 7-8:30pm Wednesday Dec.29 at Countryside United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m. also at the church. Private Inurnment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, KS 66606 or Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd. Topeka, KS. Denzell's family would like to express their appreciation to all of his caregivers at Midland Respite Care for their service and kindness over the past 23 months and to Midland Hopsice for their care and support during his final days. To leave a special message for the family visit www.DoveCremation .com