Herbert Denton, Jr.

HHERBERT LYNETTE DENTON, JR. Tupelo - Herbert Lynette Denton, Jr., died at North Mississippi Medical Center, Hospice Unit, in Tupelo, MS on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was 86. Born in Corinth, Alcorn County, MS on March 11, 1928, son of Elizabeth Garrett Kennedy and Herbert L. Denton where he lived until his family moved to Tupelo in 1941, where he resided until his death. He graduated from Tupelo High School and from The University of MS in December, 1949 where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January, 1950, during the Korean Conflict. In June 1950, he entered Office Candidate School and graduated December, 1950 as a commissioned 2nd Lt Officer. He was honorably discharged at Eglin AFB in December, 1953, when he returned to Tupelo and worked at Dr. Pepper-7up Bottles Works. In February, 1964, he became CEO and Owner of Vend Foods, Inc. for 36 years when he retired. He was a life member of Tupelo Rotary Club, President of Mississippi Food Vending Association, and a member and a past Commodore of Key Largo Anglers Club, member of Ocean Reef Club and member of Card Sound Sailing Club at Key Largo, FL. He was an avid huntsman and outdoor enthusiasts. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jane Clare Alexander Denton; sons, John W. (Bill) Denton of Tupelo and friend, Mairlyn Patterson of Baldwyn, Jack Alexander Denton and wife, Beth and their children, Neal and Emily all of Florence, Alabama, and Jim Garrett Denton and wife, Toni and their children, McKenzie and Madison all of Tupelo; two sisters, Betty Denton Langston of Brookhaven and Margaret Ruth Denton McCall of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Marshall Briscoe, Norman Brown, III, Neal Denton, Billy Hodges, Dave Langston, Ken Langston, Nathan Langston, Presly Wallace and Kris Whitehead. Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2015, in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitation was held from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015, at W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors, Tupelo. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.