Paul Ernest Denton, 82, Union, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2016, at New Haven Care Center, New Haven, after a long illness.
Paul was born Feb. 20, 1934, in Atchison, Kan., the eldest of five children of Paul B. Denton and wife Ida T. He married Irene Krenek, nee Grannemann, in September 1976 and the two made their home together.
"Skeets," as he was known to his immediate family, attended Central High School, in Oklahoma City, Okla. In most things he was largely self-taught, an adept craftsman. He discovered exotic lands and soft balsa wood as a youth with his father in Panama, then spent his life traveling, drawing, carving, painting and trading everything from model airplanes to black powder muskets. He was a natural outdoorsman, born 200 years too late. On his way to becoming a union master plumber, he worked in Midwest City, Okla., and Oklahoma City, Okla. He helped build Frontier City and later Silver Dollar City theme parks in Missouri. He traveled for swimming pool and plumbing companies before finally settling in Union near St. Louis, where he was employed by Frueh Plumbing and Dill Plumbing in Washington.
He spent many years in his gun shop out back and at Mountain Men Rendezvous, selling and trading from a Conestoga wagon he made and carted to Black Powder Rendezvous trade fairs. He had a natural curiosity. He was exceptionally well read, a fan of Western fiction, who also loved National Geographic and pulp detective stories, music and visiting museums. He was a good man in a tight spot. A lot of things he couldn't buy, he made. He was handy with a paintbrush, carving knife, blacksmith hammer, welding torch and nail gun. He loved his large garden, revealing a green thumb talent for anything in a salad, especially tomatoes. He shared his produce with family and friends. He always claimed he had a surplus, even in dry times, and he usually did.
He was no angel, and was quick to admit it. He had a snap temper, a dislike for bullies, a weakness for good cigars, and a wicked humor. His family loves him and misses him. It is our consolation that we will see Skeets again.
Paul is survived by his wife, Irene Krenek Denton, of the home; one son, Paul James Finley, Oklahoma City, Okla.; one stepson, Rick Krenek, Union; one sister, Dorothy Denton Linn, Bethany, Okla.; two brothers, Jon R. Denton and M. David Denton, both of Mustang, Okla.; and one stepbrother, Donald R. Denton and wife Linda, Henryetta, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Estelle Denton; and one sister, Martha Lynn Denton Kroner, Yukon, Okla.
A memorial service for Paul will be held Saturday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ-Mantels, Washington.
Interment will be in Oklahoma state.
The family is being served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Union.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Oltmann Funeral Home - Union.
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