His friends called him DK, Denton, and Dart. His extended family called him Dad, Pops, and Papa. He was our patriarch. Denton Kouleinani Dart, 80, passed peacefully from this earth and into heaven, with his loving wife by his side, Saturday May 15th.
Denton loved America, living and proving the American dream. Born July 7, 1940, Denton was the fourth child of William and Elizabeth Dart, of Hilo, in the then American territory of Hawaii. Eighteen months later, the U.S. would be at war. One of Denton's earliest memories as a child was having to black out windows during air raid drills. He lived a modest childhood on Hilo's Kinoole street, with his father supporting the family on a minister's meager income. Dad talked about some times going to school after a breakfast of only some tea and saltine crackers. Denton performed well in his studies, and made many lifelong friends at his alma mater, Hilo High School. One time, Denton and a couple buddies pooled $40 dollars together to buy a beat up Model A, nicknamed ‘Sputnik’, cruising the main drag, trying to impress whoever they could. Unlike the real Sputnik, their jalopy didn’t last long and was sold for 20 bucks. Denton also worked as a caddy at the local golf course-Hilo Municipal. It would be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the sport. He graduated in 1958, and decided to enlist in the Navy. It was a chance to see the world, and plot a course for his future.
His naval tour on the USS Springfield took him throughout the Mediterranean, and during that time, he learned a trade as a machinist. After his stint, he traveled to Texas, looking for a career, but instead found his life partner. Denton met Sally Darlene Ashford at a now forgotten hamburger joint, and they dated, going to places like the Vegas Club in Dallas, owned by the soon to be infamous Jack Ruby. Shortly thereafter, with not a lot in the bank, but plenty in their hearts, they were married at the Dallas County Courthouse. The next year, 1964, their first child Gulstan was born, and they decided to leave the Lone Star State, and try to make a living in the recently admitted U.S. state, Hawaii. Their move to paradise clarified two things: Denton's family loved Sally, and job prospects for Denton were fairly dim. The fledgling family decided to return to Texas to look for more opportunity. They found it.
In 1965, U-S involvement in the Vietnam War was growing, as was production at Bell Helicopter. The aviation giant was the economic engine for the Mid-Cities, between Dallas and Ft. Worth. Denton hired on as a machinist at Bell. The family moved to Pine Street in Hurst. Daughter Kimi arrived in 1966 and David, in 1968. From there, the whirl of life took over; raising a family with simple trips to Granny Ashford's, to Six Flags, Arlington Stadium, and the Texas Gulf Coast. And there was always golf, with friends like 'One Arm', (who literally had one arm), and so many others. Denton excellent skills and work ethic did not go unnoticed, advancing him through the ranks, to Manufacturing Engineer. Eventually, the family moved to Bedford in 1979, and as the 80's rolled in, the kids would start to move out, go to college, and marry.
And that was the beginning of Papa, the living, loving teddy bear to his 7 grandkids. The sometimes stern parent of the 1970's, had morphed into a tender, playful soul, who rewarded us with so many hilarious one liners, the kind that are funny only to family insiders. He couldn’t finish a funny joke or story without making himself and us laugh so hard. In his later years, Papa also enjoyed the blessing and sweetness of his two great-grand kids, whom he doted on until the very end.
Denton was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Damian and William (Sonny). He is survived by his amazing wife of nearly 58 years, his children, and their spouses, Paula, Mike, and Suzanne. He's also survived by his grandchildren Madeleine (Trenton), Zachary, Wyatt, Lauren (Kyle), Mackenzie ( Ben), Ella, and Nathan. His two surviving great-grand kids are Gemma and Penelope. Denton is also survived by his sister Flaviana (Flame).
Denton Dart left his tiny island home decades ago, to take chance on finding himself and a better life. He leaves behind a talented, vibrant family of Doctors, Journalists, Musicians, Businessmen, and so much more.
The Hawaiians have a saying: A hui hou~
Until we see each other again
The Darts would like to thank all of the fantastic medical professionals who helped give us every extra year, hour and second with Pops. A special thank you to Dr. James Turner and his staff.
Donations can be made to Cook’s Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth or local Good Samaritans.
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