Thomas Jefferson Denton IV

1931 - 2017

October 3, 1931 - August 31, 2017 Thomas Denton the fourth was born October 3, 1931 to Attala and Thomas Denton the third, in Inglewood CA. His sister, Diane was born four years later. His father worked for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Tragedy struck the Denton home when Tom Sr. died of cancer when Tommy was only eight, leaving Attala to become the breadwinner in the depth of the Great Depression. The family moved to Atwater where Tommy attended Marshall High School, then L.A. City College, where he met the love of his life, Jean Gibler. Before they had a chance to become serious, Tom was drafted into the Korean War. He served two years and returned home to his sweetheart. Tom transferred to Cal State Los Angeles in 1954 and a year later, married Jean. Tom completed his last year in college while working eleven part-time jobs, graduated and had the first of their four children, Laura. The family grew with the birth of Julie eighteen months later and Kelly eighteen months after that. Three years later, they finally got the son they always wanted Thomas Jefferson Denton the fifth. As the family grew, they needed more space and good schools, so in 1965 they moved to Cordova Ave in Glendale. Tom had been working in the jewelry and trophy business in Hollywood since 1950 and in addition to his full time duties there also took time to help Jean raise the kids, whether it was washing dishes while Jean engraved, or taking the kids to the library. Tom and Jean spent many hours remodeling and refurbishing their old Spanish-style home. In 1979, Tom and Jean decided to open their own business in Glendale, Thomas Denton & Co. As the kids grew and moved out, Tom and Jean kept busy and found time to travel and entertain at home, two things they loved. In 1982, Tom joined the Rotary club and made many lifelong friends, as well as having another opportunity to give back to his community. Tom was also on the Board of Adventist Medical Center. In 1982, they moved to College Hills, and as the family continued to grow with grandchildren, Tom and Jean shifted their lives to being with their family as much as possible. In 2004 Jean was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which she fought for 7 years. Tom took care of her every day, including learning how to be a good cook. Tom lost his beloved wife of 54 years in 2011. Tom continued working 6 days a week, greeting customers, writing up repairs and getting lunch for himself and his son. Tom is survived by his sister, Diane (Dick), four children, Laura (Carl), Julie (Darwin), Kelly (Gunnar) and TJ (Barbara), his 11 grandchildren -- Tyler, Amanda, Andrew, Will, Katie, Emily, Shelby, Elizabeth, Garth, Thomas and Laura, and his great grandson, Bradley. He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be held September 24, 2:00 PM at Salem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Salem Lutheran Church, 1211 North Brand Blvd Glendale CA 91202