Dennis Fennell

Dennis Eugene Fennell, age 76, of Zanesville, Ohio, formerly of Bend, Oregon, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Morrison House, in the care of hospice and his son.
He was born on May 7, 1949, to the late Horace “Pete” Fennell and Velda Gene (Abbott) Fennell in Murphy, Idaho.
Mr. Fennell graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and from Willamette University College of Law in 1973. Following law school, he began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Seattle, Washington. He later worked in the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office in Bend, Oregon, before entering private practice.
After moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico, he continued his public service with the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office before retiring in Ohio. He was a member of the Oregon State Bar for 50 years.
From an early age, Dennis was drawn to martial arts, sparking a lifelong practice that spanned over 60 years. From competitions in his youth to katas and instructing in his more seasoned years, his love of martial arts never waned. Over the course of his life, Dennis earned the rank of fourth-degree black belt in Shotokan and first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
He was known for his pragmatic outlook and often counseled his clients and son, “You can be as upset as you like, but it will not change the facts.”
He is survived by his son, Sean Gyshen Fennell of Zanesville, Ohio.
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, a memorial observance with meditation and martial arts practice will be held at his dojo in Newark, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis’ name to Abbot Senior Living in Zanesville, Ohio
To sign the online guestbook, please visit delongbakerlann