Dennis McBroom

Dennis “Zoom” McBroom, a long time auto racing aficionado, crossed this life’s finish line April 18 , 2023 and
is headed to victory lane. He was born July 11, 1958 and was 64 years old.  

Dennis grew up in Gallatin, MO. He loved his mother Mildred, and revered his father Clayton. In 1969, at age
11 he lost older sister Linda in an auto accident. His brother Danny took him under his wing and became a
mentor to Dennis. He worshipped Danny and tried to emulate him. In 1976 he graduated from Gallatin High
School at the top of his class. He also played basketball all four years, two of which with his brother Danny.
Tragically, in 1983 yet another auto accident took the life of his brother Danny, a blow from which Dennis
would never fully recover.

After high school he continued to work at John Deere Implement in Gallatin as a mechanic before moving to
Mexico, MO to work at a Chevy dealership. From there he moved to Kansas City where he worked as a
service writer for Andy Klein for many years. Ultimately, he decided to work with his hands. He liked to fix
things. Most recently he was proud to bring an old player piano back to life.

Dennis wanted life to be a party. He rarely met a drink he didn’t like or intense game of poker, often to his
detriment. He loved boating, waterskiing and enjoyed playing practical jokes. He loved constructing a
bonfire that could be seen for miles to sit around and socialize with his friends. Halloween was his favorite
holiday, taking time to create elaborate costumes in an attempt to draw the attention of the entire party.
His true passion, however, was cars and racing. This is how he earned the moniker “Zoom McBroom”. In his
early years he spent most weekends at Thunder Valley Raceway, an 1/8 th mile dragstrip in Bethany, MO
where he would run his 67’ Chevy II called Deuce’s Wild and later a slingshot style dragster. It was there he
met Mary Lou, the mother of his two daughters Elizabeth and Christina, his true legacy, of whom he was most
proud, though he was the first to admit that Mary Lou deserved all of the credit.

Dennis was a man of many layers. On the surface he was rough and tumble, abrasive, and many times
offensive but also had a softer side, susceptible to extreme sadness and joy.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Mildred and father Clayton; two brothers, Danny and Craig; and
one sister, Linda. He is survived by daughters Elizabeth and Christina, brothers; Kyle (Stacy), Kent (Sandra)
and Kerry (Laura) and sister Kara (Jeff); several nieces and nephews and many friends.

While many contemplated a funeral with perhaps a speakeasy theme, cooler heads prevailed and decided a
private family gathering was most appropriate. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to donate to the Dennis
McBroom memorial scholarship. The scholarship will be used for Gallatin graduates perusing a mechanical
profession. Checks can be made to Kara Fitters, 4256 Fox Hills Ct. Janesville WI 53546 or Kyle McBroom PO
Box 143 Hamilton MO 64644.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother with so many things left unsaid. It is hard to find closure
so it seems only fitting to harken the closing line of Thunder Valley Raceway’s announcer Montana’s, “Doo
Dah”. Doo Dah Dennis, sadly this race is now over.