Donald Lee Denny

After a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, Don passed away peacefully at home in Clearwater, FL. Born in Eldorado, IL, he moved to Florida 38 years ago from Wood Dale IL.

At age 12, Don began work in the coal mine in his hometown. With a falsified birth certificate, he enlisted in to the Army in 1947 at the young age of 15. Having been stationed in Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska he was sent to Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Regt. B Company. After eight months of action in both North and South Korea he was captured on 18th of May 1951. Held in Camps 1 and 3, a Prisoner of War for 27 months. He was released the 20th of August 1953.

Donald was dedicated to his profession as an exterminator, but his greatest interest was assisting the elderly who were the majority of his clientele. They depended on him to change the paper in the birdcage, clean the cat box or change the light bulbs, and other minor jobs around the home. They would often call him for this purpose pretending that they had an insect problem. They would also enjoy conversing with Donald, as he was a good listener.

In 1993 Don retired from his profession as an exterminator or "hired killer" as he would say. When Donald decided to prepare for retirement, he realized that he must start eliminating some customers. Jean agreed to help him by notifying some of his customers that he would be retiring, so she went down one side of the street notifying the customers and Donald went down the other. When they met on the corner Jean said, "I got rid of 3 customers, how did you do?" Donald said, "Well, I picked up 4". He was very much attached to the elderly. Don's classic comment was "if you have bugs don't call me, call the bug man, your house must be dirty." Donald detested un-cleanness.

Donald was a common man. He was raised during "hard times" when survival was a challenge. He fought poverty as a youngster and survived. He fought the difficult battles of war in Korea and survived. He fought the hardships as a prisoner of war and survived. He fought his illness hard to the very end, but survival was not to be. Our Maker did that which the enemy tried to do and failed. Now Donald is at rest.

Donald's life is positive proof that the common man can succeed in America if they work hard and perform their civic duty. He began with meager means and through hard work and a strong determination he built a prosperous life for his family to continue even after he is gone. He fulfilled the American dream and handed this work ethic down to his children.

Don volunteered more than 10,000 hours at Bay Pines VA Hospital but that was not all he was also a member of the American Legion Post 7, Clearwater; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2473, Clearwater; Korean War Veterans Association, Suncoast Chapter 14, Bay Pines; Disabled American Veterans Association, Clearwater; American Ex-Prisoners of War Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter; Korean War Ex-POW Association, Cleveland, TN; and the Rolling Thunder, Inc., FL Chapter 11.

Don's pride and joy was his family. He was a faithful husband to his wife, a devoted father to his children and much loved by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. "Pop" was always there to grant their every practical wish.

In addition to his immediate family, Donald was loved and respected by his other family, the EX POW's of the Korean War. During the annual reunions he was known as "Mr. Hospitality" he worked tirelessly at the refreshment bar or soliciting funds for that activity. Donald will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Don is survived by Jean Denny, his devoted wife of fifty-eight years; son Donald Howard "Bud" Denny (wife Hannetjie) of Roselle, Illinois; daughter Gayle Denny Roderick Houser (husband Steve) of Clearwater; granddaughters Tanya Denny Granata (husband Michael), of Glendale Heights, IL; Mychelle Denny, of Las Vegas, NV; grandsons, Brian Roderick, of Bradenton FL, Zachary Roderick, of Tarpon Springs FL; eight step grandchildren; great-grandchildren Anthony Granata and Adrianna Granata; sister Darris Bonnell of Bethalto, IL and half sister Winona Vanasten of Oak Run CA.

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