Mr. Joseph L. Denton, 95, of Prince Frederick, Maryland died on Wednesday, December 2020 at the Calvert County Rehabilitation Center in Prince Frederick, Md.
Joe (Bootsie as called by many) was born and raised in Calvert County and lived there all his life. He was the son of the late J. Gill Denton and Nettie Mae Denton of Barstow, Md. He is the brother of the late Edward W. Denton, Roland K. Denton, and J Lawrence Denton.
Joe was married to the late Pauline E. (Brigham) Denton for 57 years. He is survived by one daughter, Sherry Decker of Leonardtown Md and one son, Joseph L. Denton Jr of Prince Frederick, Md; five grandchildren, Shana Smith of Glen Arm, Md, Jaime McQuay of Hollywood, Md, Joseph L. Denton lll of Nottingham, Md, Jennifer Lund of Port Republic, Md, Jessica Turner of King George, Va and seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of Calvert High School, Class of 1942.
After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, fighting in the Pacific theater, Battles of Saipan and Okinawa, where he received many medals including the bronze star.
After the war, he returned home and worked briefly at Solomons Island. Later he worked for the Calvert County Health Department as the Director of Environmental Health for 30 years.
The family lived at Dares Beach for many years and after retirement, he and his wife moved to live on the family farm in Barstow. One of his greatest joys was his family and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and crabbing all the years at Dares Beach and enjoyed spending time with all his friends, neighbors and community. Other activities were golfing, walking three miles a day for many years, gardening, reading newspapers, and enjoying nature on the peaceful farm.
Serving as pall bearers are Joseph L Denton III, Michael Lund, Ridge Turner and Peter Smith.
The family will be having a private viewing and a private interment at Central Cemetery in Barstow Md.
Any contribution can be made to Calvert Hospice.
Wendy and Matt McQuinn
December 29 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey and all your family,
Even when we know it’s coming, we are never prepared. I know his loss will be profound, as profound as your love and pride in him. I only remember your dad with merry eyes when I was a kid, but what a sweet memory that is! Growing up nearby was special, connecting us all.
As you make your way ahead, we pray you find peace, rest and comfort in your memories.
Our very deepest condolences to all, and to Sherry, a great support to me, I send you love, extra tight hugs and shared tears.
With our sympathy,
Wendy and Matt McQuinn
Wanda Nagers
December 29 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry, Joe and family,
Ron and I and our family are so sorry for your loss. Your dad had a long, good life and I’m sure his last years were lonely as so many go through. You all know he is at peace now reunited with your mom and the rest of the Dares Beach crew and family. I can remember so many good times growing up across the street. We had a wonderful childhood with the beach, bay and neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In God’s love,
Ron and Wanda
James E Denton
December 29 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sorry to hear of your loss. I knew your father and grandparents as a child when I’d visit with my Grandparents, George and Myrtle Denton.
Steve & B.B. Forrester
December 29 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Joey we will remember your Dad as a man that always had a friendly smile and a kind word .
Sue and Doug Hance
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey – We were extremely saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I have such fond memories of time spent at your house in Dares Beach growing up and the good times we had. I also remember the new Thunderbirds he bought over the years. He had one of the coolest cars in Dares Beach. I was very fond of your dad and had good talks with him after he and your mom moved to the farm and I would see him around Prince Frederick from time to time. He was a good man and you can be sure that he and your mom were celebrating Christmas in heaven this year. Keep the good memories close and know how lucky you were to have him in your lives for so long.
Rita R Hidalgo Buckmaster
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey, I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad. My prayers are going out to all the family I know he is in the arms of his Lord and with his family in Heaven. Rita Buckmaster
Sally Showalter
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey, I am sorry for your loss. We all remember our Dares Beach days fondly and your family is certainly part of that. Jesse… I never put all of these pieces together, now I know why I always thought you were the best!
Sally Showalter
Craig Dresser
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, I remember him well from Dares Beach, may he rest in peace.
Craig Dresser
Gary ONeill
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry and Joey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have only the best of memories about your Dad. The many times he and your mom spent many evenings together with my father and mother. Especially when we lived next door to you at Dares Beach. He will be greatly missed.
With sincerest sympathy,
Gary O’Neill
Judy Bowen
December 28 – Obituary: Joseph Leroy Denton
Sherry, Joey and family,
Larry and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
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