Larry & Patricia Denton

We are celebrating the life of Larry and Patricia Ruth Denton. Larry was born April 3, 1945 to Grant and Opal Denton of Longdale, Oklahoma. He departed this life on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at his home in rural Oakwood, Oklahoma. He was one of 9 children. Larry served 3 years in the Marine Corps, serving part of that time over in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart with a Gold Star. Larry married Patty Shippy on December 15, 1968. They made their home outside of Oakwood, Oklahoma where they raised their four sons and one daughter. He served on the local fire department as a volunteer firefighter until retirement. Larry always had an entertaining story to tell and never met a stranger. He loved his wife, his children, and all the grandchildren and instilled in them a strong sense of family values and loyalty.

His father started working as bulldozer operator and Larry joined him in this work. After his father’s passing, he continued working with heavy equipment and eventually trained his children and grandchildren to be operators as well. In Western Oklahoma, he was well known for his knowledge of old Caterpillar equipment and respected for the quality of the service he provided. When someone had a question about equipment, they would contact him--and he always had an answer.

Patty was born June 14, 1945 to Frank and Lorene Shippy of Aline, Oklahoma. She departed this life on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at her home in rural Oakwood, Oklahoma.

She was one of thirteen children and as the third girl with two older sisters she spent most of her childhood time with her dad helping with welding and driving bull dozers. One of her fondest memories was growing up on the Snake River. Patty and Larry were married on December 15, 1968 and they made their home just outside of Oakwood, Oklahoma where they raised four sons and one daughter. As an adult she enjoyed milking cows, raising chicken, and admiring horses. She also did a lot of woodworking and made precious keepsakes for her family and friends. She loved God. Her life was filled with so much love for her family and was happiest when surrounded by them. When she smiled, she smiled with her entire face and you could see that she was really enjoying life.

Larry was preceded in death his parents, his wife – Patty, a daughter--Renea; a daughter-in-law— Janet, two grandchildren – Whitney Patricia and George Larry, and a sister Mary. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter--Renea; a daughter-in-law—Janet, two grandchildren – Whitney Patricia and George Larry, three brothers – Stuart, Ricky and Joey, and one sister Phyllis.

They are survived by their children Danny and Shannan Denton of Oakwood, Paul of Oakwood, Sarah and Gary Clyden of Woodward, Jason and Heather Denton of Oakwood, and Joseph and Corri Denton of Chester, Larry's siblings Linda and Glen Blood, Dean and Kathryn Denton, Don and Theresa Denton, Robert and Shirley Denton, Carl Denton, Penny and Butch Robinson, and Ricky and Kim Denton; Patty's siblings Peggy Struble, Polly and Jim Evans, Debrah Ruggs, Mark Shippy, Bobby Shippy, Kay and Adam Grinde, Steven and Linda Shippy, Greg and Lisa Shippy, and brother in law Harvey Goetz, 21 Grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a set of twin great grandchildren on the way.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 31, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Glen Blood officiating. Memorials may be made to the Oakwood Senior Citizens through the funeral home. Condolence messages may be written at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.