William J. Denton, Jr.

William Joseph Denton, J., 86, passed away surrounded by his family at his home on January 18, 2024 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

William was born on August 13, 1937 in Kinross, IA to William Denton, Sr. and Florence Denton. After graduating from Kinross High School in 1955, William attended the University of Iowa and graduated as a Hawkeye in 1959, then served in the Army for three years.

After returning home to Iowa, William met Janet O'Brien, and they married on August 3, 1963. They were married for 60 years and had four children together - Brian, Debora, Joan, and Kerri.

Following their marriage, the couple lived in Keota, IA and then in Memphis, TN for five years before returning to Iowa where they lived in Des Moines for the rest of his life. William was an accountant for many years. While working full-time, William also farmed on the family acreage in West Des Moines. They grew lots of fruits and vegetables while raising horses. After William and Janet retired, they loved spending time with their family, attending events for their grandchildren, going to the Iowa State Fair, and, of course, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes. They loved traveling to different countries. William had a small horse named Little Joe, and he loved spreading his love for horses by taking Little Joe to kids' birthday parties to show how great horses are. He was also a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines, IA and a member of the Knights of Columbus. William loved his church and lived his Catholic faith.

He will be remembered as the biggest Iowa Hawkeye’s fan, a hard worker, and for the love he showed his family. William was a very loving man who was always smiling and was nice to everyone. He lived life by his faith and would do anything for his family.

William is survived by his wife, Janet Denton; four children and their spouses, Brian and Lori Denton of West Des Moines, IA, Debora and Pedro Cortes of West Des Moines, IA, Joan and Craig Johnson of West Des Moines, IA, and Kerri Lewers of Waukee, IA; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Dennis Denton; and his sister, Rose Holt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation one hour prior.

William graciously donated his body to Des Moines University.

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