David Butler Wentz, age 59, Leawood, Kansas, passed away on April 15, 2026 at home after a brief but courageous battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
David was born on January 23, 1967 in Lawrence, Kansas. He lived in Topeka, Kansas and Cincinnati, Ohio as a child, before moving to Overland Park, Kansas just in time to spend his teenage years at Meadowbrook Junior High, followed by Shawnee Mission East. Friendships formed during these years endure today. He was a talented student and athlete, gifts he passed on to his own children. He attended and graduated from The University of Kansas in 1989. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, serving as Rush Chairman for the 1992 pledge class. Again, in the recurring theme of this life, friendships formed on campus endure today. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1992, married Jenny Chaulk, and began his full-time career as a financial services professional at Tax Favored Benefits, Inc.
A career in financial services enabled David to utilize his greatest gift: His ability to build relationships. His loyalty and ability to connect enabled him to help countless people as they navigated life. The many messages sent to him in his final days are so consistent in message: “you changed my life”; “you saved my family”; “you helped me out of a difficult situation”; “you made an impact on my children”. He was truly a world-shifter for many. And he used his time, talent and treasure quietly, under the radar, never seeking attention for his efforts. His humility was an example for his family and friends. If you considered him a friend, advisor, coach, confidante, or mentor, you are the lucky one.
During his nearly 35-year career, David was the recipient of many professional awards, including 23 Top of the Table qualifications, 25 Court of the Table qualifications, a Life and Qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and was a 2010 Ameritas Hall of Fame inductee. He also led multiple insurance companies in retirement plan and life insurance sales. He was a former head of the Ameritas Field Advisory Council. He was a frequent speaker at various professional and business seminars on the subjects of pension, profit sharing, 401(k) and investment programs. David had many mentors, including his father, as well as trusted colleagues.
David had many interests outside his career, but coaching was the activity he enjoyed most. He worked with 100’s of kids while coaching GABL, CYO and numerous tournament teams. He loved introducing young children to basketball, and his admonishment to keep your “hands out of mouth” has stuck with many of them. He also supported many local organizations and charities, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Dr. C. Ann Wentz Teaching Fellowship, the NAIA, and KU Athletics.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Ann Barrett Wentz. Survivors include his wife, Jenny; sons Vance (Frances and grandson Dean), Mission, KS; Joey (Margot), Overland Park, KS; and daughter Brigid, Chicago, IL; father, R. David Wentz (Barb), Prairie Village, KS; sister Audrey Chinnock (Denny), Leawood, KS; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on May 3, 2026 from noon - 3 p.m., with a blessing and family remarks at 1 p.m., at Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Road, Mission Hills, KS 66208.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to the Dr. C. Ann Wentz Student Teaching Fellowship at Park University, supporting future educators during their student teaching experience. Gifts may be made online at park.edu or mailed to Park University, Office of Advancement, 8700 NW River Park Drive, CMB #65, Parkville, MO 64152. Please note “David Wentz” on memo line.
