Herman W. Denton, age 94, of Claridon, died peacefully Wednesday morning, December 24, 2014, at his home in the Primrose Retirement Community surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
On December 11, 1920, Herman was born in Morrow County, one of seven children of the late Sperry and Bertha (Brenizer) Denton. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1938, and worked nearby at Wagner’s Feed and Hydrolysis Plant.
A veteran of World War II, Herman enlisted to serve his beloved country in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and served for three and a half years as an aviation machinist mate.
Upon his honorable discharge, Herman attended and graduated from the Allied School of Technology in Chicago, IL. He then returned home to work at several places, most notably as an engineer at Tecumseh Products for 14 years, and Eaton Corporation Forge Division for 19 years, both in Marion.
On March 14, 1952, Herman married the love of his life Helen Haldeman in Bucyrus, Ohio. Shortly after they married they made their home in Claridon, where they cherished their 62 years of marriage together.
Herman was a faithful 62 year member of the Marion Salem United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and served as the church treasurer. In addition, he was a member of the Marionaires Barbershop Harmony Chorus for 21 years, an activity he thoroughly enjoyed.
With a love for the outdoors, Herman enjoyed gardening and spending time in his yard. An avid Ohio State University sports fan, he took pleasure in watching basketball, football and giving his full attention to “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” the Ohio State marching band.
Very creative, Herman was always coming up with new ideas and developing engineering designs for those ideas, such as the tractor extractor he developed.
Most important of all to Herman was his family, and they enjoyed many memorable traveling adventures together.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen Denton of Claridon; two sons: Dr. Max L. (Kathleen) Denton of Marion, and Bryan G. Denton of Columbus; a step-son, Rex R. (Janet) Levering of Mesa, AZ; three grandchildren: Dr. Coleen (Dr. Timothy Prater) Denton of Marion, Ryan J. Denton of Columbus, and R. Richard Levering II of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Cecil Denton of Marion; a sister, Eleanor (James) Heiser of Galion, a sister-in-law, Eunice Denton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Herman was preceded in death by three brothers: Ernest (Wilma) Denton, Carl (Alberta) Denton, and Lowell Denton; a sister, Erma (Charles) Burt; and a sister-in-law, Lois Denton.
His family will greet friends from 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30th, at the Marion Salem United Methodist Church (address below). Services honoring his life will follow there at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Tom Scott, Rev. James Van Meter and Rev. James Lichtenberger officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in Shauck Cemetery in Johnsville.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Marion Salem United Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia, Ohio 43314.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the Primrose Retirement Community and Heartland Hospice for their tender loving care of Herman.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Herman’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
