Granville Kent Denton

Granville Kent Denton passed peacefully and joyfully on March 28, 2024 in Temple, Texas as a resident of the Mercy House after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Kent was born in Big Spring, Texas on September 19, 1943 to Freeman and Eva Faye (Bush) Denton. The youngest of three children, Kent grew up in Merkel, Texas where he excelled in track and field, played every sport with a ball and was the drum major for the marching band.

He met the love of his life, Marlene Letz in Haskell, Texas during a trip to visit his sister in 1961. He enrolled at Abilene Christian College in 1962 and reconnected with Marlene who became his wife on January 24, 1964. During the summers he sold books for the Southwestern Book Company in Watertown, New York and Monticello, Indiana. It was here he developed his skills as a salesman and ability to connect with people. He graduated in May 1966 and began working for the Upjohn Company as a territory salesman in February 1966. He worked for the Upjohn Company his entire career earning President’s Circle awards, Salesman of the Year several times and finishing a distinguished career with the same company, retiring in 2001. That is a rare achievement by any standard. He spent the later part of his professional career in an advisory role connecting with people and mentoring those around him. He served on numerous boards as a member in good standing or in an advisory role including Amberton University.

Kent and Marlene raised their family in Mesquite, Texas, moving to the only home the boys would know in 1972. They were active members of the Highland Oaks Church of Christ for 35 years. Kent served as a song leader, teacher, deacon and elder at the church. He was always smiling and had a kind, steady word for any seeking his wisdom and advice. He possessed a quiet strength that could disarm the most challenging encounter with his quick wit and wise words. He was a man of great faith and believed in the power of mercy and grace, freely given to all who would accept the gift. He communed with God every day.

He loved to camp in the national forest with his StarCraft camper and did so for 33 years. All were welcome to join in on this 2-week annual adventure that eventually became a summer long event. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and the great outdoors God had provided him. He could be found every summer in Colorado with a hook in the water. He took every opportunity to attend the sporting events of his children and grandchildren and could be found in the stands cheering them on whatever the weather and wherever the venue. He enjoyed attending the art shows, band concerts and encouraged his family to participate in things that made life better for others. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams and make their own path. He enjoyed music of any kind. His music taste was eclectic ranging from The Sons of the Pioneers, Lawrence Welk and the big bands, the symphony, James Taylor, the Eagles, and anything he could match with his voice. He kept an extensive CD collection so he could listen when he could no longer attend. He particularly enjoyed basketball and attended the Big12 Championship with his brother Manley every year. He was proud to be a Merkel Badger and reminded everyone who knew him where he was from and who he belonged to in life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Manley Denton, and his sister Britta Kaye Bradford. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marlene Denton, son Todd his wife Kathy Denton of Temple and son Chad Denton of Austin. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren – Davis and his wife Lori, Reed, Grant, Boone and his wife Lillian, Alayne and Claire as well as 3 great-grandchildren – Carter, Kinsley and Emerson. He never met a stranger, was a model husband, father, and grandfather. He brought joy and a smile to all those fortunate to meet him on the path of life-a life well lived.

A memorial service will be held at the Western Hills Church of Christ in Temple on Saturday, April 20 at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mercy House of Temple located at 2728 Cottonwood Ln., Temple 76502 or Amedisys Hospice located at 5293 S. 31st Street, Temple 76502.