Denny Lemaster Obituary
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Thursday, August 1, 2024 From 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Meadows Funeral Home
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 1:00 pm
The Cross Loganville
3275 Tig Knight Road
Loganville, Georgia 30052
OBITUARY
Denver Clayton "Denny" Lemaster, born on February 25, 1939, in Corona, California, was a notable Major League Baseball pitcher. He made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Braves on July 15, 1962, and continued to play with the Braves through their transition to Atlanta until 1967. Lemaster was known for his left-handed pitching prowess, which included a notable performance in a game against Sandy Koufax where he nearly matched the Hall of Famer, carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning.
Lemaster was an All-Star in 1967 and had a career record of 90 wins and 105 losses, with an ERA of 3.58 over 357 games. He pitched for the Houston Astros from 1968 to 1971 before briefly joining the Montreal Expos.
Lemaster passed away on July 24, 2024 at the age of 85. He is remembered for his significant contributions to baseball, including his strong pitching and memorable games.
After his baseball career ended, he was a custom home builder and Master Duck Carver.
He was preceded in death by his wife: the late Earlene Lemaster and sister: the late Lana Lemaster.
Surviving are wife: Barbara "Bunny" Lemaster; children, (Denise Lemaster, Dennis Lemaster "Linda", Kim McLendon "Barry", Kris Garner "Joel"; stepchildren Dan Reppert "Leah", Matt Reppert "Kim", Kelly Reppert; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Meadows Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024 at The Cross Loganville with Pastor Tim Cash officiating.
Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeffrey Stone
October 30, 2024
Sorry to learn of Denny's passing. When he pitched for the Milwauke Braves, Denny and his family lived next door to our family during the Major League baseball season. We spent a lot of time with Denny and Earlene. We were fortunate to attend many Braves baseball games and spent much off field time with him and his family. Denny bought a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix which he taught me how to drive. Later, as an adult, I bought a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix and restored it in the same color as Denny's. After the Braves moved to Atlanta, we visited Denny and his family there. As my father was a minor league baseball player, Denny and my dad spent much time talking baseball. In a backyard baseball game with Denny pitching and my dad hitting, my father hit a ball over 3 homes and onto the street. Often times later, we would joke about this with Denny. While pitching for the Braves, Denny hit a home run in a game he pitched. Denny gifted that home run bat to me. We were blessed to know Denny and his entire family.
Kevin Benson
September 10, 2024
May The GREATEST "Field Of Dreams"
and It´s Legendary Players...Welcome With Open Arms and Gloves in Hands...To Greet This Legend Of a Player...Whom so many Loved and Admired Him as a Player and Excellent Man...BLESS HIS SOUL
Richard L Moreno
August 24, 2024
My husband born in `39 also and born in Redondo, him and I have learned so much about you from our nephew who I think is your biggest fan and now you have two more Fans. You were never forgotten and you never will be R.I.P.Denny! Our Condolences to your Family, Friends and Fans!
Danny Marple
August 22, 2024
I was thrilled to meet Denny at an Oxnard little league fundraiser when I was 13 years old. He was so gracious and kind. That meeting had a huge impact on me. His sincere encouragement about baseball and reaching your goals still rings with me to this day . I'll always remember Denny as a true gentleman and terrific hometown baseball big leaguer. God Bless Denny and his family.
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Donald Pinedo
August 21, 2024
Our sincere condolences to the Lemaster family. On behalf of my late brother Allan and myself remembering collecting baseball cards and having our own Oxnard legend in our collection was really cool. Our prayers are with you.
James Lapointe
August 15, 2024
Our Condolences to the Lemaster family. Denny was one of the first guys to make it to the big leagues from Oxnard and a role model for many of us up and coming players.
From the Emile P. Lapointe Family
Gary Porter
August 11, 2024
May God be with the family of Denny Lemaster. My Grandfather ( MO Hodges ) umpired many games pitched by him at Oxnard High. I remember him saying what a talent Denny was. My Mother { Brenda Hodges ) dated him for a bit while at Oxnard. I can still recall in 1966 when Denny invited my Mom, Dad ( Jim Porter Ventura College basketball and baseball player ) along with my two brothers to a game in August of that year. Although I was only 8 I can still see in my minds eye his legendary duel with Sandy Koufax. I sought out and spoke with Denny 15 years or so back and thanked him for allowing us to be his guests at Fulton County Stadium that night. If anyone is interested to hear a full game broadcast of a 9/30/69 game where he mowed down 11 Dodgers with Vin Scully doing play by play just search the above information in YouTube It is awesome to listen to.
Rest In Peace Denny and once again may the Lord be with Denny´s family.
Gary Porter
[email protected]
Johnny rogers
August 10, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Dennys passing. My name is Johnny Rogers. Denny was my little league baseball coach in 1973 and left a memorable impression on my life.
Betty Salinas
August 10, 2024
Sending my condolences to Denny Lemaster´s family on behalf of myself and my late husband, Samuel F Salinas. May your love and memories comfort you. My husband also loved baseball growing up playing in Sunset League in Oxnard CA along with his brothers Buddy Salinas and Jimmy Salinas hearing stories of the Legend Denny Lemaster. Denny Lemaster was instrumental to local baseball, and his legacy lives on. May they fly high playing the game they loved baseball.
God Bless You
Betty Salinas
Greg
August 9, 2024
Condolences from Japan.
Eduardo Miranda (Retired OPD Commander)
August 9, 2024
Dear Lemaster Family:
My condolences to all of you. Denny is watching over all of you and praying for you now.
Thanks for sharing him with the City of Oxnard and put our City on the map.
He left a huge footprint for all young aspiring professional baseball players in our community!
RIP Big Leaguer!
Lily Medina
August 7, 2024
I am the niece of Manuel "Memo" Medina, daughter of Romaldo Medina. My uncle and Denny were best friends growing up in Camarillo CA. They both played ball together. We send our condolences to the family. Now you and my Uncle Memo can play Heavenly baseball together again. Rip!
Love the Medina family. Camarillo Ca.
Angel Aragon
August 7, 2024
Denny was a really good friend of my cousin, Buddy Salinas.
When you talk about baseball in Ventura County you can´t go without mentioning Denny Lemaster. Denny was deeply rooted in the baseball community in the 805 area code.
Even though Denny was older than me I knew who he was. His name was always mentioned in the 805 baseball conversations. The true baseball conversations!
You will be missed, Denny. Thank you for all of your influence and wisdom of baseball and life here in Ventura County. May you Rest In Peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Angel Aragon
Channel Islands High Pitcher Class of `92
Former San Diego Padre
David Escobar
August 7, 2024
My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Denny Lemaster a true American success story, a young man who grew up in a small farming community with a deep love for a game that connects with all Americans baseball. A true legend to youngsters like myself David Escobar a young little league catcher with dreams of being him or him pitching to me, yes many here in Ventura County remember him as the first MLB pitcher from our area. God Bless him
jimmy salinas
August 6, 2024
i was born and raised in the town of Oxnard Ca. were Denny went to high school ,were i played baseball for Sunset little league in the 70's. Denny was a icon and was talked about by many because he made history and was also an idol of my big brother Buddy., My brother on a plumbing job found s baseball in a closet while on a plumbing job in Oxnard that was singed by Denny and Hank Arron. This made my brother so excited and he located Denny and mailed the ball to him. This is something my brother will remember for the rest of his life. Denny himself impressed many people and will always be remembered, my deepest condolences to the famillyand may Denny rest in peace.
- jimmyfsalinas
Ted Lawrence
August 6, 2024
Dear Lemaster Family,
On behalf of the entire Oxnard High School community, I extend our deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Denny Lemaster, a cherished member of the Oxnard High School Class of 1958.
Though many years have passed since Denny walked the halls of our school, his legacy has remained vibrant and inspiring. Our current students often hear stories of his remarkable achievements and the impact he had on our school and the wider community. He is remembered not only for his exceptional talents and contributions on the baseball field but also for his character, dedication, and the pride he brought to the Yellow Jacket family.
Denny's legacy is one that transcends generations, reminding us all of the enduring spirit and commitment that define the Oxnard High School community. He will forever be celebrated as a legendary Yellow Jacket, and his story continues to inspire our students to strive for excellence in all they do.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in the cherished memories of Denny's life and the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy,
Mr. Ted P. Lawrence
Principal
Oxnard High School
Em moore
August 6, 2024
My name is Emily Moore and My Dad is very good friends with Buddy Salinas. We go up to California whenever we can (we are from Michigan). Buddy Salinas was in one of the articles that Denny had wrote, and Buddy never fails to talk about how amazing Danny was at baseball! I am huge on softball and love to know more about past ball stars that paved the way for baseball all around.
Larry Moore
August 5, 2024
My condolences to the family. I've heard great stories about him when visiting my bff in Oxnard.
richard jaquez
August 5, 2024
On behalf of the Jaquez family in the Oxnard/Camarillo California area, we would like to send our Condolences to the Lemaster Family. We were in our early teens when Denny pitched for Oxnard High. He was considered the best pitcher ever from Oxnard. And, we kids dreamed about being another Denny Lemaster. He was a great big league pitcher and we were proud of him. Dick and Zeke Jaquez
Woody Woodburn
August 5, 2024
Sincere heartfelt condolences to the entire Lemaster family, and all of Denny's friends who loved him, and also to all his fans who cheered for him during his career.
Eduardo Reyes Sr
August 5, 2024
Condolences to the Lemaster family from Sunset Little League in Oxnard, CA, where Denny was a local hero. May the Lord assist you with finding peace and strength during this time. Respectfully,
Eddie Reyes Sr.
Sunset Little League (Oxnard, CA)
Board of Directors Member
Steve Henson
August 5, 2024
I crossed paths twice with Denny Lemaster -- 28 years apart -- and both times found him fascinating. He lived a full and rewarding life, both as a major league pitcher and later as an avid outdoorsman and artist whose decorative carvings of duck decoys were renowned. Three years ago he was delighted by the story of lifelong Oxnard resident and huge fan Buddy Salinas, who tracked him down to deliver a baseball signed by Denny and rest of the 1963 Milwaukee Braves (including Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews and Joe Torre). Denny's exploits as an Oxnard High pitcher and Bonus Baby won't be forgotten -- Buddy will make sure of that. Here are links to the two stories:
1993: Lemaster Fooled Hitters, Now Ducks : Former Braves Left-Hander Carves Decorative Decoys
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-24-sp-16536-story.html
2021: Signed, sealed, delivered: How the gift of a 1963 baseball connected two Oxnard men
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-12-21/denny-lemaster-buddy-salinas-1963-milwaukee-braves-hank-aaron-joe-torre
Romeo Solis
August 4, 2024
As a kid growing up in Oxnard my dad would tell me stories about Mr Lemaster. I may not have been old enough at the time to appreciate but as I grew and I researched this legend on my own did I realize the importance he had to our community. We as a city owe a great debt to the legends that made Oxnard what it is today. My condolences and great respects go to the Lemaster family. Romeo Solis
Pete Villarreal
August 2, 2024
My name is Pete Villarreal and I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the Lemaster family for their loss. I remember first learning that Major League Baseball player Denny Lemaster had pitched at Oxnard High School, my high school! As a baseball pitcher myself, I was enthralled by his abilities and I made it a point to follow his journey as a Brave´s pitcher. He leaves behind a legacy of success as a profession player that I and many of my friends admire. May his memories grant your family strength and peace.
Simon Ayala
August 1, 2024
Simon Ayala, grandson of late Demetrio Ayala
Denny Lemaster who at the age of 16 was given the opportunity to play his first organized baseball for the Camarillo Blue Sox under the management of Demetrio Ayala.
On behalf of our late grandfather Demetrio and the Ayala family, we send our deepest condolences to the Lemaster family. We Thank Denny Lemaster for his legacy and great memories with the Blue Sox organization.
Donnie Hairston
August 1, 2024
Sending my deepest condolences to Denny LeMasters family
Buddy Salinas
July 30, 2024
Denny Lemaster was my HERO that I never met.He made Oxnard famous.
The first to bring MLB SCOUTS to Oxnard,California.My condolences to the family.Denny was a role model for many ballplayers. I did have a phone a
Phone conversation with the gentleman a few years ago.
He sent me an autographed calendar. The City of Oxnard will never forget.
Buddy Salinas
July 29, 2024
Mr. Denny Lemaster, the baseball player that brought the first MLB scouts to OXNARD,CALIFORNIA.You could say he was one of first persons to put Oxnard
on the map.My heart goes out to his family. His # FAN
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