Kenneth O. Denton

Abingdon, VA Today heaven gained a precious angel with the passing of Mr. Kenneth Oren Denton, 82, from his earthly home after a brief illness. Kenneth was born in Alvarado, Virginia to Enoch C. and Leacy Powers Denton on May 25, 1932. Kenneth and his family moved to Abingdon, where he and his father and his son Mike worked for many years together as dairy farmers. Kenneth was a well-known and well-loved citizen of Abingdon. He served on numerous boards and committees throughout his life. He was a conservative farmer, hosted international farm tours, and most importantly was a devout Christian and devoted family man. Kenneth was highly cherished as patriarch of the entire extended Denton family. To have known Kenneth was to love his sense of humor, his love of God, and his love for his wife Pat and his family. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alvin Denton and Morris Denton, sister Berith Denton Munro, and grandson Caleb Stephen Denton. Left behind to cherish his life are his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia Kilgore (Pat) Denton; four sons: David Lee Denton (Martha Lynn) of Charleston, SC: Dr. James Wayne Denton (Marie) of Culpepper, VA; Kenneth Michael “Mike” Denton (Patty); and Dr. Stephen Philip Denton (Dr. Angela), all of Abingdon, VA; grandchildren: Dr. Jonathan Denton ( Dr. Amanda) of Picayune, MS; Jennifer Denton, Matthew Denton (Tara), Jessica D. Kirkland (Josh), Catherine Denton, James Denton (Cha Cha), Ashley D. Boles (Robby), Megan Denton (Josh Ringstaff, fiancé), William Denton, Luke and Evan Denton. Kenneth is also survived by seven adorable great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to send a special thank you for the personal care provided to our patriarch to Dr. Emory H. Robinette, Naomi Barrett and Caris Hospice. Services for Kenneth Denton will be held Friday, October 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, with Reverend Greg Alderman officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Gray, E.L. “Buddy” Carrier, Jack Taylor, Hugh Kilgore, Gene Echols, Bruce Denton, Mark Denton and Ron Daugherty. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of grandson Caleb Stephen Denton. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Denton family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.