Howard K. DENTON
October 13, 1921 ~ March 24, 2011
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Mr. Howard K. Denton passed away March 24, 2011, at his Farmington residence at the age of 89 years, 5 months & 11 days. Howard was born Oct. 13, 1921, in Leadwood, MO., & was the son of Walter F. Denton & Frieda 'Skaggs' Denton. Also preceding was a son-in-law, Dennis Lee Ellis.
Howard graduated from Leadwood HS in 1939; attended SEMO State Univ., Cape Girardeau until the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, when he enlisted in the US Navy. He married Ruth Maurer in June 1942, while stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station. After WWII, he moved to Farmington & opened Howard's Photography Studio until he sold the business to Reginald Spence. He moved his family to Denver, CO., until as a member of the US Naval Reserve Forces, he was called back to service. Howard served in many capacities in the US Navy, including 2 tours of duty in Antartica providing support for US scientists there; & at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. he served at the NATO Headquarters in Naples, Italy, and worked with the British Royal Air Force in London, England. Howard retired from the military in 1966, & moved his famly back to Farmington. After his Navy retirement, Howard was Administrator of Medical Lodge; worked for Unidynamics in Fredericktown and owned & operated the 214 Package Liquor Store in Farmington. At one time, Howard was active in the Jr. Chamber of Commerce & the Kiwanis Club. He was a longtime, faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Farmington; LePere-McCallister American Legion Post #416 & Norman L. Rigdon VFW Post #5896.
Survivors Include: his wife of 68 years, Ruth 'Maurer' Denton, of Farmington. 3 Daughters: Karen Ellis, of St. Louis; Anita (& Steve) Moore, of St. Louis and Diane (& Roger) Hitson, of Farmington. One son, Karl (& Lisa) Denton, of Bozeman, MT. 9 Grandchildren: Matthew Ellis, of Denver, CO; Lauren (& Nate) Howard, of Indianapolis, IN; Sarah Moore, of Denver, CO; Kate (& Ryan) Robbins, of London, England; Jerad Denton, of Denver, CO; Cole Denton, of Toledo, OH; John Hitson, Ted Hitson & William Hitson, of Farmington. 2 Great-Grandchildren: Natalie & William Howard, of Indianapolis, IN.
Visitation Friday, 5-8 p.m. with a joint American Legion/VFW Service @ 6:45, followed by Rosary @ 7 pm. Visitation resumes Saturday, 6:30 - 10 a.m.
Funeral Mass : Saturday, 11:00 a.m., March 26, 2011
at : St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. James Dyer officiating.
Burial with Military Honors at : New Calvary Cemetery, Farmington
Memorials : St. Joseph Catholic School, Farmington.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Howard was a very good person and he was very special to the Hinkebein Family….the whole Denton family was and is very special to the Hinkebein…My prayers are with the whole family. With prayers and love, Agnes
Ruth and Family, Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in memories, and the love of your family and friends that love you so much. With love, Pat,Jennifer, Erin and Julianne
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ruth and family, Please accept my deepest sentiment of sympathy at the loss of your dear husband and friend. I have great memories of going to the 214 as well as our travels together when I was stationed at St. Joe, Farmington. May our gracious Lord give him eternal peace and may he grant you comfort in your time of grief.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Howard was such a dear friend to me from the time we met on active duty at Quonset Point, R.I. and he has always been one of my most favorite people. Everyone should have at least one friend like Howard and I'm so blessed and fortunate to have had him as mine. I especially loved the photo of him getting his wings pinned on by the squadron commander. I was there and we flew together in VS32 in the late 50s. Bless his lovely wife, Ruth, and his great family some of whom I baby sat when they were toddlers. God bless y'all in this difficult time. I loved Howard and I love y'all.Pat joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. Jeff Giles
Anita: I am sorry to hear of your father's passing on. My prayers are with yhou and your family. Your friend, Joe
Ruth and Family, you are all in our prayers and thoughts. May God wrap His arms around you and hold you tight.
Diane and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I'm sure you have many fond memories of him and nobody can ever take that away. May God help get all of you through this time in your life.
Ruth, My heart and prayers are with you at this time. Love Arliss
Ruth, Karen and family: My deepest sympathy to all of you. Howard was such a pleasure to be around, no matter where you saw him, he always had a smile. Ruthie, to be able to share all those years was truly a blessing for both of you. Your strength in God will help you in the coming days. Carol Faircloth
Ruth, Karen, and family. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I didn't find out about it until Saturday afternoon. May our Precious Lord bless your hearts at this time. If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know. Debbie
Diane: So sorry to see that your father passed away…you and your family are in my prayers. Miss talking to you at work. Enjoyed the video tribute online.
Sonny & Elma Jennings want you to know they are sorry to learn about Howard and are sorry they can't be there at this time. They will be in touch. I too, am sorry. May our Lord be present with you and your family and give you strength through out the days ahead.
Sonny & Elma Jennings want you to know they are sorry to learn about Howard and are sorry they can't be there at this time. They will be in touch. I too, am sorry. May our Lord be present with you and your family and give you strength through out the days ahead.
Diane, so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our prayers.
Karl, Mrs. Denton and family, I am sorry to hear about the loss of Howard. I always enjoyed talking to him at 214 and all the other times our paths crossed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Scott Pingel & family
To all of the Denton's, I'm very sorry for your loss. Howard was a true friend of my family. All of you are in my thoughts.
So sorry for your loss. Howard was a friend of my dad (Bill Hickman).Howard was such a nice man. May God be with you at this time.
Ruth and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss of a loved one. Frank & Jackie Erard