Donald Richard Denton

Donald Richard Denton, 86, of Somerset, Ohio, peacefully passed at his home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by his wife and four daughters. Don (or Richard depending on how far south of the Ohio River you happen to be) was born to the late Erb and Velma Denton on May 16, 1938, in Mansfield, Ohio and was raised in Ringgold, Georgia.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; his daughters Dawna (Christopher) Hosey, Tammy (Michael) Westenbarger, Kaye Denton,  and Jennifer (Luke) Chapman; grandchildren Brenna (Cole Brown) Hosey, Connor (Meghan) Hosey, Maegen Westenbarger, Savannah Westenbarger, Mikaela (James) Davis, Hunter Westenbarger, Rachel (Corey) Johnson, Olivia Chapman; great grandchildren Kendal (Nick)Hartman, Sofia Seesholtz, Blake Shepard, Beau, Rose, and Daisy Johnson; great-great grandchildren Lincoln and Katie Hartman; brother Michael (Alice) Denton, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Erb and Velma; sisters Delores Mulkey, Linda Hayes, Janice Brown, and Carol Hullender, as well as his dear mother-in-law, Grace Conley. Don served seven years in the military split between enlistments in the United States Air Force and the United States Army. A true patriot, Don was very proud of his time in the military and would share his experiences with friends and family anytime he was asked.

Don and Pat moved to Ohio in 1963 to raise their family. He worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Newark Air Force Station until his retirement in 1991. Don was an avid sportsman– he played softball into his 50’s then he caught the golf bug, playing 3 to 4 times a week as the weather allowed. His true love, though, was hunting – any day spent in the woods was a good day. His daughters’ fondest memories were deer hunting season breakfasts. All the hunters met at the house for breakfast before heading out. The smell of coffee brewing and the sound of bacon frying was the background for “The Guys” and their hunting stories – some of them amazing and most of them hilarious!

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the nurses and aides from FairHoPe Hospice and The Pickering House. Their support, professionalism, and kindness allowed Don to spend his final days in his home with his family. The family would also like to thank the core of amazing friends and neighbors who were there whenever they were needed – you know who you are, and our gratitude will never be enough.

Visitation will be on held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Thornville chapel of Hoskinson Funeral Home, 56 S. Main Street, there will be an hour of calling on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1-2 pm with the funeral at 2:00 pm with Pastor Dan Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Ridge Cemetery, Thornville, where Military Honors will be held. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to  FairHoPe Hospice/ The Pickering House, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio. In memory of Don – take your kids outside to play, go on a picnic, throw the ball with the family dog, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee on your front porch and watch the birds.

Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service in Thornville is honored to care for Don and his family.