Dennis Harry Worden

Dennis Harry Worden, age 75, passed away at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Indiana, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, of complications from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Amyloidosis. Denny was born in Fort Wayne, to Harry and Pauline (Smith) Worden, who preceded him in death in 2007 and 2006, respectively. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Randy, who passed away on Denny’s 75th birthday, just 6 weeks prior to Denny. Surviving are Denny’s wife of 51 years, Linda (Martin-Hugenell); son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Angela (LaPierre) Worden; granddaughters, June and Josephine of Fremont, Indiana; sister-in-law, Diana Worden; and nephew, Joel Worden (Jodi Dawson) of Noblesville. Additional family support during Denny’s illness were cousins, Sherry (Worden) Baker and John Wonderly, Dottie Coppolino, Roger Smith and Shelly Annis, and family friend Cathy Jewell.

Denny graduated from Garrett High School in 1966. He then attended Purdue University where he received a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. Denny retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools with over 30 years of service. He began at Geyer Middle School, where he was a social studies teacher and football coach, ultimately winning the Freshman City Football Championship. He then went on to teach at Lakeside Middle School, where he also was a coach for many Academic and Spelling Bowls, organized many educational field trips, and organized and personally chaperoned, along with his wife, several 8th grade Washington D.C. trips, making a wish come true for many who thought they would never have that opportunity. Denny was also an advocate for and partner of Junior Achievement for over 12 years, and received their BEL award for Business, Education and Leadership.

Denny enjoyed most physical activities, having received the nickname “physique” in his teenage years. However, basketball and golf were his favorites, although he did gain a real appreciation for soccer, when his son played the sport, even helping coach Eric’s team. He played full-court basketball until he was 53, still talking about how he enjoyed playing against the WOWO Air Aces in his early years. But his real passion was golf. If the sun was out and the weather was tolerable, he could be found on a golf course. Denny won the Pine Valley Country Club Junior Championship in his youth, and later won the Garrett Country Club Championship. In addition, Denny and his high school classmates won their Alumni Golf Outing for several years, of which they were all very proud. Until his health made it too difficult, he continued enjoying the sport year-around during his “snowbird” years in Florida.

Denny was a former member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, as well as the Elks, Moose and American Legion. In his younger years, Denny was a member of the Fort Wayne Maennerchor and Damenchor and sang with the choir for many years. In his honor, they will be performing at the service on Monday.

Above all, Denny’s love for his family was above everything else. He had unconditional love for his son Eric and always said he was the greatest gift from God. When June and Josie were born, Denny was overjoyed to spend time with them. He loved to watch them develop and grow, with his favorite part being the many visits to his Jimmerson Lake home as well as the yearly vacations. Denny was OPA (grandpa) to many, including his cousin’s sons Zayne, Wyatt and daughter Vanelope. He was known to all of his “kids” for his “Opa suckers,” a nickname he received when he wouldn’t let a visit end without them receiving a giant Tootsie Roll Pop.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be given to Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, 780 Shelter Lane, Angola, IN 46703 or to Donor’s choice. Condolences and memories may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.