Dennis M. Dailey
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Dr. Dennis M. Dailey of Lawrence, KS, age 84, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born to Hazel and Floyd Dailey on September 30, 1938, in Fergus Falls, MN. Dennis received his Bachelor’s of Social Work from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, where he met his wife in the student union playing bridge. After finishing his Bachelor’s, he worked as a senior probation officer in Ramsey County, MN. He went on to pursue his Masters of Social Work at the University of Missouri where his first daughter, Lisa, joined the family. After returning to St. Paul he worked at Family Service of America. Shortly after, Dennis and Judy welcomed their second daughter, Amy, to the world. In 1966, Dennis enrolled in the doctoral program at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, earning his PhD in Social Work in 1971.
Dr. Dailey taught human sexuality courses for 36 years in the School of Social Work at the University of Kansas. Throughout his time as a professor, Dr. Dailey inspired countless students and colleagues to imagine sexuality as a complex and healthy part of everyday life. He is the author of the Circles of Sexuality, a positive model defining human sexuality that is still used broadly by sex educators, academics, and therapists. While teaching, Dr. Dailey started a private therapy practice and continued to consult with other practitioners into his retirement. He was certified as a Sex Educator, Sex Therapist and Supervisor by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Dr. Dailey was a prolific writer in areas ranging from human sexuality to local Lawrence history, and was published numerous times. During his career, Dr. Dailey won many awards but remained proudest of his University of Kansas HOPE Award as it was voted on and awarded by the KU senior class. After retiring in 2005, he was named a Professor Emeritus of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas. Recently, he was the inaugural recipient of the Washington University Brown School of Social Work Dennis Dailey Distinguished Sexual Health Educator award, named in his honor.
Dennis enjoyed a long retirement spending time with his grandchildren, cheering on the Jayhawks at KU men’s basketball games, camping on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and continuing to be a lifelong learner. He especially enjoyed researching local Civil War history. This interest was sparked by living for nearly 40 years in the historic Miller House, which was valued for its connection to Quantrill’s Raid and the Underground Railroad.
Dennis was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Judy Brown Dailey, brother James Dailey, daughters Lisa (Jeff) Dehon and Amy (Tad) Cooper, and grandchildren Wes, Max, Grace, and Jeff. He will also be remembered by his loving extended family, his friends, and the countless students, teachers, and community members whose lives he impacted.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00 on March 4th at the First United Methodist Church, downtown Lawrence.
In celebration of Dennis’ loving spirit, please make any donations to an organization of your choice that seeks to make the world a better place, such as: VNA, Planned Parenthood, Southern Poverty Law Center, or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I am so sad to read this. Dennis was the best most influential teacher I ever had. A truly beautiful human being.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Denny. From little on I always thought he was such a nice and very handsome man. It was always fun when Judy and Denny would come visit the farm. Lots of good memories. My deepest sympathy to all.
Dennis was an especially bright light in the School of Social Welfare, He touched many lives directly with students and beyond as they moved into their practices. Copious gratitude for a life well-lived and the influence you had for all you came in touch with. Flights of Angels.
Although it’s been several years since I last bumped into Dennis during his quest to find tools at area garage sales, I think of him often as I look at the Penny Jones championship trophy he helped win in 1983. Judy, Lisa, Amy and family I’m sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great guy.
The impact Dennis had is immeasurable and I count myself lucky to have been a student at KU when he was actively teaching. Coming from rural Kansas where the realities, details and intricacies of sex were never discussed, his teachings, outreach and grace were truly eye-opening and changed how I view the world. My first exposure was a radio call-in show he did. A kind-hearted man who will be sorely missed in our world. Deepest condolences to family and all who were close.
I was sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Dailey. He was my favorite teacher during my time spent at KU getting my MSW. His classes helped me prepare for the Human Sexuality class curriculum that I taught at LHS for several years. His sense of humor and ability to intellectually connect with students was dynamic; he had a way of keeping the attention of students. I appreciated his honesty and openness of discussing any topic that related to relationships and life. My deepest empathy to his family, I know you will miss him on this earth.
I was sad to read about the passing of Dr. Dennis Dailey. He was one of my favorite master level instructors at KU. I learned a lot from his wealth of knowledge and highly respected him as a teacher. I am very sorry for the loss of him on this earth for his family. He left a great legacy of caring about others. May the awesome memories of Dennis carry you through this difficult time of grieving.
Dennis was the most inspiring teacher I ever had, ANYWHERE! He made all of us think, about diversity, exclusion, inclusion, and just the joy that could be nurtured and shared in everyday life. His empathy and open-hearted joy and sense of humor brought compassion and fun to every gathering he ever took part in. His Human Sexuality class was so popular that students stood in line to enroll in it (back in the Old Days of horrendous enrollment procedures). He did outside speaking engagements, such as CEUs and seminars, which were as wonderful as his BSW and MSW courses, and I attended every one I could. Judy and family, thank you for sharing your dearly beloved with the rest of us. He will never be forgotten!
Dennis was a good friend of my father. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Dennis influenced so many people in so many ways. He truly was a light of goodness. Sympathy for his passing to Judy and the family.
Bruce and Pattie Armbrister Johnston
I was fortunate to have Dr. Dailey as my undergraduate advisor and to take one of his intensive courses in graduate school. His teaching and philosophy have had a huge impact on my career and practice. I will miss knowing he is in this world but am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and be influenced by him. Sincere condolences and prayers to his family. ❤️
Dear Judy and family. A life well lived who was well loved by many. Our hope is that as you celebrate his life, it will help you in your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Loanne and Steve Martin.
Dennis was a great man, I will miss our time together sharing stories and for me learning what I could from someone that was so full of knowledge of the local history. He took time to share and educate not only myself but bus loads of young children would stand, mouths open listening to him tell the stories surrounding the history of the Miller Farm, the Underground Railroad and various other topics. He will be missed. RIP.
Dennis was a good friend in both the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and in the Sons of the American Revolution. I always looked forward to seeing him at the meetings because he was a great talker about both the Civil War and the Revolutionary war. My son and I really enjoyed working with him to get an old windmill working on the Miller property. He will be missed by his brothers at the SAR meetings.
Judy and family – I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Please take care. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Liz Botkin
Judy and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss! Dennis was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed! After taking his class at KU many years ago (late 80s) I was a teaching assistant for him while I worked on my Master’s degree in social work. He had such a big impact on so many people! He was a great educator, a kind man and a great friend! I will be praying for peace for each of you!
What an outstanding human! Dr. Dailey inspired me; I was honored to meet him at an AASECT conference. We corresponded often and he graciously shared his wisdom on holistic sexuality. My book Nonnie Talks about Sex is in his honor. I hold space with his family and friends in this loss and send love ❤️
Dear Judy and family, an era has certainly passed with Dennis, great help and inspiration to so many. My time as his grad research assistant was very fortunate indeed nearly 50 years ago now. May your family be comforted by fond memories and the love you shared.
As a patient of Dr. Dailey’s, I am truly saddened to learn of his passing. He was a wonderful man who helped me to unlock keys to helping me to become a better man, more capable of coping with life’s ups and downs. His ability to help me to see myself and to make corrective alterations in my “wiring” will never be forgotten. My heart will always hold a very special place for Dr. Dailey and his inspirational impact he had on my life. Rest well my friend.
Dr Dailey,
It was a life changing experience to attend your class at KU. You will be missed forever !