John Denney

John Riley Denney 

 April 27, 1942 – October 16, 2024 

John Riley Denney, 82, passed away at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16th, in a nursing home in Liberty, Missouri, after a battle with advanced dementia. His family knew that his light dimmed after the loss of his beloved wife, Pam, last November, as their love was the true center of his life. Like Forrest Gump once said, "We go together like peanut butter and jelly." John and Pam, Pam and John. They just belonged together, and without her, he was lost. 

 A quiet, introverted man, John cherished life’s simple pleasures. He found peace and joy in fishing, his love for cars, watching football, and in the deep love he had for his wife and family. Recently, when asked how much he missed Pam after her passing, John responded with a question that reflected the depth of his feelings: "How big is the ocean?" 

 Born on April 27, 1942, John spent his life as a steady, devoted family man. He was a man of few words but many acts of love. The partnership he shared with Pam was something truly special. They built a life together that spanned over 60 years, filled with memories and a bond that no words could fully describe. When Pam passed away, it was clear that John’s pilot light had gone out; he was simply waiting to be reunited with her. 

 John’s journey through his final year was an extremely difficult one. His family was relieved that he finally had found peace in the Lord with his passing. His descendants are Matthew (DeAnne), Heather (Chad Karns), and Rebecca (Chris Romsland). He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren—Austin, Spencer, Braeden, Dakota, Jake, Lilly, Sophie, Emery, and Maddox—and his great-grandson, Colton and great-grand daughter Wren. John's legacy will live on in their hearts, as they remember both him and Pam for their unwavering love and support. 

 John’s love of cars and fishing, and his loyalty to family, were hallmarks of a life lived simply but fully. He also had some significant achievements in his life. John was a boy scout and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He also was a loyal employee to his employers. In his later years, dementia took many things from him, but it never took away his love for Pam and his family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Pam, and his passing marks the closing of a beautiful chapter that they wrote together. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister, Mark Denney and Jane Twiss. 

 In accordance with John’s quiet nature, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you do a kind gesture in honor of John’s life. Pay for the order behind you in a drive through, take a friend out to lunch, or take someone fishing. We know our dad John would love this! 

 Rest in peace, John. You and Pam are together again—just as it should be.