Obituary of Dennis Lynn Lovelace

Funeral Services for Dennis Lynn “Denny” Lovelace of Elsberry, MO will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home. Rev. Lance Long of Crestwood, MO will officiate with burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery near Elsberry. Serving as pallbearers will be Bryan Collins, Eric Lovelace, Kelly Skaggs, Ryan Collins, Robbie Lovelace and Louie Lovelace. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Koch and Dicky Koch. Denny, 82, was born on December 19, 1942 in Elsberry, MO, the son of Louie Clark and Opal Aleatha Kelly Lovelace. He passed away early Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025 at his home. Denny was a 1960 graduate of Elsberry High School. He was united in marriage on June 2, 1963 in Kansas City, MO to Carolyn Lee Branstetter. This union was blessed with one son, Jimmy. A lifelong auto racing fan, Denny raced from 1979-1980. Denny worked for MFA Oil Company from 1971-1978, and later as the Manager of MFA Elevator from 1983 until his retirement in 2007. He then farmed with Jimmy for several years. Denny cherished his family and being known as “Papa” to more than just his two favorite grandkids. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Opal Lovelace; one sister-in-law, Judy Lovelace; one brother-in-law, Joe Long; one great-niece, Jillian Young; and his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Carolyn Lovelace, who died on May 26, 2022. Survivors include his son, Jimmy Lovelace and his wife, Carolyn, of Elsberry; and two grandchildren: Louie and Kara, both of Elsberry. Denny also leaves his brother, Wayne Lovelace of Elsberry; two sisters: Joyce Long of Bowling Green, MO and Carol Collins and her husband, Billy, of Elsberry; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to Oak Ridge Cemetery (or) Star Hope Baptist Church in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.