Charles O. Denton

Charles Oscar Denton was born on a rural farm outside of Kewanna on Aug. 24, 1932. The son of John and Hortense (Finney) Denton, Chuck passed away due to complications from surgery on Feb. 25, 2025.

He lived a long, amazingly healthy life and enjoyed riding his recumbent bicycle, visiting with friends and neighbors right up to the day before surgery. Chuck was a beloved and faithful husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor and friend.

High school athletics and academics were equally important to Chuck and he loved his alma mater, Rochester High School, in Fulton County. He was proud to be a member of the track and basketball teams, as well as being class president and valedictorian for the class of 1950.

He went on to run track and earn bachelor's and master's degrees at Ball State Teachers College. Chuck was in the ROTC program, and after marrying his sweetheart, Nancy Rowe, in 1954, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

After leaving the Air Force, Chuck started his teaching career in South Bend. In 1963, Chuck, Nancy and their three children moved to San Bernardino, Calif., where he taught classes and coached sports at Golden Valley Junior High School. In 1965, he transferred to the newly constructed San Gorgonio High School, where he worked as a guidance counselor for the final 28 years of his 34 years in education.

After retiring in 1993, Chuck spent his time attending events for grandchildren, watching college basketball, hunting, fishing and gardening. He and Nancy were members of Del Rosa United Methodist Church more than 50 years. They participated fully in church activities, serving on committees, helping with maintenance, engaging in fellowship and supporting their church family.

Chuck and Nancy moved to Monmouth, Ore., in 2019. They enjoyed being close to their daughter Karen's family, joined Christ Church in Monmouth and made new friends in their community.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Nancy (Rowe) Denton; brother Harley Denton; and sister Marjorie Zartman.

Chuck is survived by his three children, daughters Sandy (Bob) Brendza of Ft. Worth, Texas, Karen (Mike) Lippsmeyer of Independence, Ore.; and son John (Doreen) Denton of Rosamond, Calif.; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Chuck was passionate about education and service to others. In 2024, he started the Charles Denton Rochester High School Scholarship to provide assistance to graduating seniors pursuing careers in education. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Charles Denton Rochester High School Scholarship, https://nicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3211, or a charity of your choice.