Kenneth Dement, a 1998 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who played tackle at Southeast Missouri State from 1951-54, passed away Feb. 15 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was 80.
Born on Feb. 13, 1933 in Popular Bluff, Mo., Dement grew up in Sikeston, Mo. An honor student in high school, he captained the football team and played basketball. He enrolled at Southeast Missouri State, and the 6-3 and 212 pound two-platoon tackle became team captain in 1954, achieving NAIA All-American status. Marvin Rosegarten, a Southeast Missouri teammate, said, "He played both ways and was like a linebacker on defense. He roamed around, making tackles all over the field. He had great speed and stamina."
The New York Giants drafted Dement in 1966, but he joined the Marines instead of playing pro. He graduated 22nd in his class of 508 from officers training school in Quantico, Va., later achieving the rank of captain. After his Marine service, Dement entered law school at Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 1961. He started law practice in his hometown, Sikeston. He had a distinguished career as a trial lawyer, writing articles for law publications. He was interviewed by Mike Wallace on "60 Minutes", the CBS weekly TV show, regarding a court case.
Southeast Missouri named him to its board of regents, and he served from 1976-81, including a stint as board president. Dement was named commissioner of the Southeast Missouri regional Port Authority, and he served as a city attorney for Sikeston. In 1989 Southeast Missouri retired No. 40, his jersey number. He earned induction into the Southeast Missouri Football Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Sikeston High School Hall of Fame in 1997.
He is survived by four sons, Kenneth, Jerry, Randy, and Justin; two daughters, Mary and Laura; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen Karen Dement. Memorial Contributions may be sent to Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Department, Missouri Veteran's home in Cape Girardeau or the Sikeston Booster Club. Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.
