David Lee Denton left this world for his next adventure on August 24, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Springfield, Illinois to Clarence Willard and Doris Marie (Adkisson) Denton on November 12, 1952. On June 9, 1985, he met his soulmate, Connie Lawrence Hamilton and they were married December 4, 1987 in Winter Haven, Florida.

He is survived by his wife; daughter Amanda (Dion) Cregeen of Kirksville, Missouri; sons Justin (Molly) Denton of Boonville, Missouri and Joshua (Bekka) Denton of Harrisburg, Missouri; and grandchildren Cody (Grace) Cregeen and Kyle Cregeen of Kirksville, Missouri and Mackenzie and Eleanor "Ellie" Denton of Harrisburg, Missouri; and brother Doug (Colleen) Tomlinson of Edwardsville, Illinois.

David spent his childhood in Petersburg and Chillicothe, Illinois before moving to Kirksville at the age of sixteen. He wore many hats during his years of employment--mechanic for Sunny Slope and Wright Tire & Appliance, helped open the first Super Center Wal-Mart in Winter Haven, Florida, construction, farming, line foreman for Adair Foods, OTR driver for Barr Nunn then drove for Roger's Trucking, and was a security guard for A.T. Still University for six years before retiring. He also cut and sold firewood for twenty-five years before having his own lawn care service for another twenty years. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1971-1973 and was deployed to Vietnam.

David loved the outdoors and was an avid deer, goose and duck hunter. In his early years, he raced tunnel boats and stock cars. Fishing and boating were things he truly enjoyed for relaxation.

Public visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 27, 2023 in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2023 in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Novinger.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Center or Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.