John Wm. "Bill" Denny

John William “Bill” Denny passed into his eternal heavenly rest on December 13, 2017 at his home in Pawnee with his bride Marianne of 66 years at his side. He was 85 years of age at his passing.
He was born April 26, 1932, in rural Pawnee county-north of Lela-the first born of nine to John Oral and Jewel Letha (Smith) Denny.
His childhood lead him with his parents to wherever they could find work. Some including the state of Washington and Ponca City, the Otoe, Terlton and Skedee in Oklahoma.
Bill graduated with the class of 1951 from Pawnee High School where he was FFA President and Treasurer. Many local and state awards were accredited to him during those four years in the organization. His membership of the Projectionist Club also led to a lifelong interest in film, camera's, and recording.
Catching his eye while in study hall was Marianne (Griesel). They married May 27, 1951 after graduation. This past May they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
After being denied by the draft board for active duty, he was classified 4F to farm. Following the war, life led him to adventures in Missouri to work on a dairy and hog farm. Coming back to Oklahoma he gained employment as a welder building a grain elevator at Red Rock. Then he contracted with Homer Harris to deliver express for Magic Empire Express and Tulsa World/Tribune. He acquired the business and operated a fleet of trucks from 1956 to 1974. He saw his greatest success as a Coca Cola pre-sales salesman for the Stillwater distribution area. Following retirement from Coke he became custodian at Cleveland High School and retired in 1994 to Prosperity Farms south of Pawnee where he resided since 1977. In 2010 he moved to Pawnee town proper where he picked up pecans and enjoyed his backyard wildlife and great grandchildren. He displayed a rich work ethic to provide for his family.
His other interests included working along side his father in his magneto and engine repair, raising prize winning rabbits and chickens, woodworking, masonry, gardening, and ranching. Traveling took him to Colorado deer hunting frequently and to Alaska and Germany to see daughter Debbie and family.
He was a story teller in his own right. He delighted in telling of his ancestors involvement in the Oklahoma Land Run, claim staking in Payne and Noble Counties, and establishing early day Stillwater businesses. He was always eager to point out the points of interest.
It has been said of Bill that he was never heard to curse, use vulgar language, grumble or complain or slander others. His charm, charisma, smile, and laugh were contagious.
At his core was his love for God and Jesus, the Holy Scriptures and studying prophecy which began on the knee of his “granpa” William B. Smith. He continued sharing that love through the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/Community of Christ in Cleveland, where he served in the capacity of lay-leadership. After moving to Pawnee in 1977, Bill continued to serve the LORD along with his wife Marianne at the First Christian Church. His faith in his Creator was intact to the end of his life. Leaving a rich spiritual inheritance to his family.
Survivors include his high school sweet heart Marianne, daughters: Deborah (Robert) Derruisseaux, Linden, North Carolina, Dianna (Dennis) Walker, Pawnee, and son Timothy Denny, Prosperity Farms. Grandchildren: Lynn (Staci) Derruisseaux, Jenet (Jerry) Keller, Michael (Melissa) Walker, Dena Walker, Rachelle Denny, Sha'non Good, Amber Good and 21 great-grandchildren as well as many beloved family and friends. Also surviving him are his four sisters: Sylvia Kennedy, Cathy Mills, Iva Jean Butler, and Karen Marshall.
Preceding him in death were his parents, infant children Michael William and Marijudie. Siblings: Joanne Wise, Jeneva Spencer, Edwin Denny, and Eldon Denny. Also great-grand daughter Ryleigh Ann.
Services are Monday December 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church-Pawnee. Interment at Highland Cemetery Pawnee. Under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc..