Timothy Paul Denton

1949 - 2022

"Life is good!" was Tim Denton's mantra. And his friends and family know Tim's optimistic outlook extended into all aspects of his life. He worked hard, played hard, and lived and loved to the fullest. For Tim, "life is good" was a state of mind.

Tim Denton, 73, Rochester, was surrounded by family when he peacefully left this world behind on May 27, 2022 – a fitting tribute for a man who put his family first, an always proud, protective and loving patriarch who was there whenever needed. For many of his friends, Tim was their family, too. He was easy to get to know and never met a stranger.

Tim was born in Mexico, Mo., Jan. 29, 1949, son of Homer A. and Edna L. (Brownfield) Denton. He graduated from Rochester High School, but not before, at age 16, starting his more than 50-year truck driving career. He traveled many a long, lonesome highway across the 48 continental states. One might imagine now that he's made it to his last coffee shop, listening to "I'll Leave this World Loving You," and "My Way."

In 1991, Tim married his true love Darlene and embraced new family as his own. He and Darlene bought the Corner Tavern in Monterey in 2005, and Tim "worked" both sides of the bar up until a few weeks ago. For Tim and Darlene, the business was their social life, and patrons their friends.

Along with Darlene, Tim is survived by sons Jason Denton (April) and Mark Shambarger (Julie); daughters Jeni Moore (Brody) and Kendra Chudzynski (Dan). He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Ryan (Melisa), Kiley (Steve), Chandler (Kayla), Jaycee, Hailey, Brandon, Payton, Molly and Gemma, and five great-grandchildren, Aaron, Mackenzie, Mason, Kinley and Ellie, with Baby Boy Freeman on the way. He's also survived by his sister, Sherry Benedict, sister-in-law Sandy Smith, nieces and nephews and his best furry buddy, Rocky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, special aunt and uncle Peggy and Paul Reasoner, and son, Capt. Rodney Shambarger. Cooper the cocker spaniel has also been waiting for Tim with wags and kisses.

Tim was a member of Teamsters Local #364, Indiana Freemason Lincoln Lodge, the I.O.O.F., Lions Club of Monterey, American Legion, a trustee of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and was a VFW auxiliary life member.

Tim's family would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Julius Sitjar for years of outstanding care and Stillwater Hospice of Fort Wayne for the comfort they provided to Tim and his family. If Tim were here, he'd also want to recognize his two close friends, Peter Bilt and Glen Livet. "One more, and we'll all go."

Per Tim's wishes, his body was willed to the Indiana University School of Medicine for the advancement of medical education. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Fulton County Animal Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN, 46975 (fultoncoanimalcenter.org), or to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #852, 108 E. 4th St., Rochester. Please include "Tim Denton Memorial" in your check's memo line.

An open house to remember Tim will be 3-6 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Geneva Center outdoor pavilion, Old U.S. 31, north of Rochester. Food will be available.