Lee Roy Denson

Born in Palestine, Texas on May 30, 1922, Lee Roy moved to Baytown to attend Robert E. Lee High School where he excelled in football and track. He was the captain of the 1940 Texas All Stars football team that defeated the Louisiana All Stars 19-7. He was also a consistent high point man in track winning the 100 and 220 yard dashes in numerous meets and took second place in the 220 at the 1941 state meet. He represented Lee HS in Golden Gloves boxing, advancing to state in 1940 and '41. Mr. Denson attended Rice University on a football scholarship. When WWII erupted, Lee Roy enlisted and was assigned to the 1st Marine Parachute Battalion. He fought in several actions in the Solomon Islands including the Battle of Bloody (Edson's) Ridge on Guadalcanal for which he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He was wounded by a grenade on Bougainville for which he received the Purple Heart. After the war, he worked for the Ethyl Corporation for 32 years. An avid golfer, he loved traveling and playing at different courses around the country.

Lee Roy is preceded in death by his late wife Irene King. He is survived by his wife Kathy; his son, Mark and his wife Anita; his stepson, Fred Maxwell and his wife Kathie, and grandchildren; Lee, Laura, Jason, Justin and Kelly.

The family would like to thank Lisa Petruna and Sara Guest and the staff of Colonial Oaks Assisted Living in Pearland for their loving care these past 3 years.

The Denson family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.