John H. Denny

John H. Denny, 86, of Spaulding, died at 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. John was born May 6, 1930 in Springfield, the son of Howard and Frances Tobin Denny. He married Patricia Kelly Davis on November 4, 1974 in Hillsboro. John graduated from Feitshans High School and attended SIU in Carbondale. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1948 1952. He was employed as a Springfield police officer and ran for Sangamon County Sherriff in 1974. After leaving the police department, he began working as an iron worker for the Ironworkers Union Local #46. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, visiting the riverboat casino, playing video poker, and metal detecting. Being a good cook, he loved to get together and cook for his family and neighbors. John will be missed by his family as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and by his beloved dog, Fritz. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Valerie Denny; and eight siblings. He is survived by his wife, Pat of Spaulding; two daughters, Vickie Denny and Kim (Robert Thornton) Denny, both of Springfield; step-children, Angie (Joe) Liberty of Wooddale, Kaila (Robert) Kirbach of Springfield, and Larry Davis of Springfield; grandchildren, Bobby (Jessie) and Chris (Amy) Thornton; step-grandchildren, Kyleigh and Lexi Kirbach, Paige (E.J.) Greene, Marc Kirbach, and Gabrielle, Karli, and Michael Davis; great-grandchild, Bobby Thornton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:30 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Private family ceremonies and burial will be held at a later date.