of Clarksville, AR
February 8, 1927 - June 18, 2023
William "Gene" Denton, 96, died Sunday, June 18, 2023 at his home in Clarksville. He was born February 8, 1927 in North Little Rock to William Henry and Rosemary (Gamblin) Denton. Gene was a 75-year member of IBEW Local union 295, serving over 27 years as an officer in the organization. While serving as business manager (1972-1989), he was responsible for negotiating the local's first employer sponsored retirement and health insurance plans. He was most proud of the Arkansas Chapter NECA-IBEW Retirement Plan, which has grown into a multi-million-dollar retirement plan, serving Arkansas electricians statewide. Gene was a proud WWII Navy veteran, serving as an LST gunner. He was the longest-standing Board of Directors member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He served as both President and Chairman of the Board for the NWTF. He killed over three hundred turkeys in his lifetime with no plans of stopping. He was also a member of the Clarksville Church of Christ. Gene loved life with a deep passion. He inspired his family every day by living life to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Mae (Cook) Denton; two sons, James Albert Denton and William "Bill" Gene Denton; his parents, William and Rosemary Denton and two sisters, Nancy Warner and Rose Cole Gresham.
Gene is survived by seven children, Amy Isely and husband Matt, Ellen Denton, Jim Denton and wife Gwen, Paul Denton and wife Betty, Larry Denton and wife Lisa, Sammy Stuart and wife Wendy and Peggy Cline and husband Jason; eighteen grandchildren, Chloe "Two-Bits" Yarbrough, Camden William Isely, Caitlin Isely, Connor Barnes, Clay Denton, Aaron Denton, Hoyt Denton, Whitney Mitchell, Abby Stanford, Zoe Denton, Heather Hill, Crytsal Collins, Holly Tomlinson, Tracey Gustaveson, Amber Bymers, Dustin Stuart, Abigail Cline and Sheree Brewer and many other dear family and friends.
A visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel in Clarksville. A funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22 at Clarksville Church of Christ followed by interment at Oakland Cemetery. Brother Jack English will officiate. Clay Denton, Aaron Denton, Rusty Carlley, Chris Yarbrough, Darryl Muldoon and Russell Zachary will serve as casket bearers.
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20 Condolence(s)
Mike Hogue
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Homer Buck
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Gene will be missed, Friend and IBEW brother for so many years.
Andy and Niki Howell
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
We give our deepest thoughts and prayers for comfort in your loss.
Bonita Duff
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Prayers for the family.
Nathan Edgar
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Gene will be remembered by many in our electrical community as well as others. He touched many lives in his years of service and dedication to the IBEW. My own experience with Gene covered several facets, and he was always available to discuss any issue. He had the ability to help without giving a direct response to an issue. He also had the experience and could guide the youngsters on most any matter concerning the electrical industry and business. He will be missed by family and friends. God Bless you Gene, and enjoy his presence.
Sabra L Howard
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Jim, Paul & Larry,
I can’t think of a time in my life that I don’t remember Gene. I have many childhood memories of times spent with him and all of you.
Praying God’s comfort for you and your families during this sad time.
Sabra Lynch Howard
Susie Edrington
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I will always Cherish the memories of Mean Gene. He came in Atwoods everyday he could to give me a hard time. He would giggle and carry on. Praying for your Family. But Mean Gene your earned your wings.Fly high with your wife.
Mike Fugatt
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Gene had a huge impact on my life. First time I remember hunting was with Gene, Jim and Larry. First time I ever drove a vehicle was sitting in his lap on one of those hunts. He came to my high school graduation and gave me 2 boxes of shotgun shells. Best gift I got. He also talked to me about becoming a wireman. That started my career. Forever grateful for those memories and for giving me life long friends with Jim, Paul and Larry.
Jesse roberson
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Praying for you all
Ron and Anita Firestone
Monday, June 19, 2023
Thoughts and prayers are with you. My friend
Freddie Clifft
Monday, June 19, 2023
I met Mr. Gene several years ago at the Nwtf show several years ago. He and my Uncle Robert Clifft were dear friends. I cherish the time I spent with him at the Nwtf convention. He was a joy to be around I’m sure Mr Gene and Uncle Robert are sharing some stories in the glories of Heaven. Praying for the family.
David Matthews
Monday, June 19, 2023
My thoughts are with the Denton family at this time. May you RIP my IBEW brother Gene!!
Jerry and Liesa Johnson
Monday, June 19, 2023
We love you and are praying for you!
Tommy Johnson
Monday, June 19, 2023
All my love and prayers to the family.
Jerry West
Monday, June 19, 2023
Loved Mr. Gene, killed a few turkeys together in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. He taught me a lot about calling turkeys and life lessons. Praying for the family.
Teresa Pennington
Monday, June 19, 2023
I will miss talking to Mr. Gene,(when he could hear me). I am proud to say that we are related. His father and my grandfather were brothers. He called me his kinfolk from Tennessee. I am thankful that I got to meet him and his wonderful family. I could see that he was very loved by Amy, Chloe, and Camden, and they took very good care of him. I did not get the opportunity to meet any of his other family. I will always cherish the time I got to spend with him, He was a wonderful man and will be missed. I am thankful and happy of the memories I have to remember him by. May his rest in peace. Love you!
Jerry and Jean pack
Monday, June 19, 2023
With all our love you will be missed by so many people.
Ronald D Lynch
Monday, June 19, 2023
Brother Gene was my Business Manager when I joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 295 and he personally helped me through my apprenticeship and as a journeyman wireman til his retirement.
Sharon Leonard
Monday, June 19, 2023
Sympathy & prayers for his family's loss during this difficult time
Linda West Henderson
Monday, June 19, 2023
I was sad to hear that Gene had passed away . I have many good memories of him . Some of them are story’s about him that my father Harrison West told at or dinner table. He consider Gene a good friend. May God comfort you through this time of loss.