Dennis Allen Kerlee, age 85, passed away at his home in Richland, WA. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Burlington, Washington to Larkin and Billie Kerlee. He spent his school years in Burlington and served in the US Air Force from 1956 – 1960. He worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard from 1961 to 1980 as a welder, Quality Specialist, and Quality Engineer. He joined Energy Northwest in 1980 and worked as a Quality Assurance Engineer and a Quality Control Supervisor and retired in 2005. During his time with Energy Northwest, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Central Washington University. He served as a Quality Consultant with Mid-Columbia Engineering and AVANTech Incorporated from 2008 to 2020.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Larkin and Billie, his brother Danny, his former wife Patricia, (mother of their 3 children), his former wife Rosemary and his oldest daughter Debbie Mueller.

Dennis is survived by his wife Carol Jean Payne and his daughters Kimberly (Mike) Peterson of Port Orchard, and Pam Watters of Richland; younger brothers Timothy Kerlee (Tenley) and Lark Kerlee (Betty). Dennis’ family expanded over the years and he kept his word to always be there for his previous wife’s children, Christina Churchman (Ricky) of Richland, Tom Vinson of Golden, Colorado, and Barbara Jay (Greg) of Indiana. With his marriage to Carol, his family expanded even further to include Shannon McPeek (Tom), Cheryl Payne and James Payne (KeriAnn). His grandchildren include the greater family, Cody Watters (Lisa), Cameron Ufland (Jessica), Ashley Mueller, Kyle Mueller, Rachel Peterson, Lauren Asplund, Jake Churchman, Brennan, Brandon and Jacqueline Payne, Sam McPeek (Becky), Robin DeLeon (Angel), Glen Ufland (Aydee) and Chad Ufland (Linda). His great grandchildren include: Lillie & Scarlett Watters, Casper & Bennett Ufland & 8 other beautiful great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Dennis loved to travel. He and Carol enjoyed their cruises to Alaska, Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Spain, Italy, & Greece. They took over 25 annual trips to Poipu Kauai where they were married in 2000.

Dennis was famous for his love of cooking, his hospitality and his famous Seafood Chowder on Christmas Eve. His favorite place to be was in the kitchen cooking for those he loved while holding a glass of wine. He was a patriot who loved his country and was honored to serve in the Air Force as a fireman.

Dennis was smart, athletic, charismatic and witty. He loved the Mariners, good food, fascinated by space travel and loved skiing. He completed several marathons including the Honolulu Marathon in 1979.

Dennis will live on in the lives of those he loved. He will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering love, sense of humor, quality mindset and his joy for life. He was always available to talk and always had the best advice. Above all this, he was madly in love and completely devoted to his loving wife Carol Jean.

To celebrate his remarkable life, the family cordially invites you to the Celebration of Life that will be held at Einan’s in Richland, WA on Friday, November 1st at 12:00 PM.