Marvin Lee Denton passed away on March 21 in Overland Park, Kansas, with his twin daughters at his side.
He was born on April 4, 1928, to Abraham and Lena (Litman) Denton in Kansas City, Missouri.
Marvin Denton lived his life shining the light of love on everyone he encountered.
He married Phyllis Lea Katz, the love of his life, on Aug. 5, 1956, in Kansas City. She preceded him in death, as did his parents and two brothers, Jack and Hymie Baraban. He is survived by twin daughters, Sheila Denton of Overland Park and Sharon Denton (Bill Myers) of Lyons, Colorado; sister-in-law Lois Baraban of Leawood, Kansas; and many beloved nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, spouses and cousins. Blessed with a long life, Marvin survived many loved ones and dear friends.
Marvin attended Kansas City public schools and graduated from Central High School, then attended business school in Kansas City. He began his career in the wholesale grocery business working for Hershey Wholesale before moving to Lady Baltimore Foods, where he developed and maintained faithful customer relationships for more than 50 years.
Marvin became an active member of Congregation Ohev Sholom in the 1960s and served nearly every committee and office, including president in the 1970s. In 2020, the congregation acknowledged him as “Honorary President for Life” in recognition of his remarkable record of service.
In retirement, Marvin was deeply devoted in service to the local Jewish War Veterans organization where he held a number of offices, including Commander. A veteran himself, having served the U.S. Army as a Corporal from 1950-52 as part of the 3rd Battalion, 279th Regimental Combat Unit during the Korean Conflict, Marvin helped organize and distribute holiday packages to soldiers and veterans in local hospitals, and he frequently represented veterans for military funerals in the area, always wearing the uniform with dignity and honor.
A loyal friend, Marvin never knew a stranger — his welcoming smile, kind eyes and engaging way earned him enough friends and admirers to populate a small country. No matter who you were, Marvin always showed you that you were loved.
Despite many serious physical health challenges in his later years, Marvin responded consistently with resilience and optimism, energizing family members, friends and caregivers with his positive attitude and outlook. His tender and devoted care for Phyllis through her declining health was a testimony to their deep and abiding love.
He fiercely loved and adored his twin daughters and relished being deeply engaged in their lives, delighting in their friendships and news of their adventures with the admiration and pride of a man who never gave less than his whole heart.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staffs of Vineyard House SeniorCare Homes and Kansas City Hospice for providing tender, compassionate care to Marvin and Phyllis as they experienced the twilight of their lives together, and their subsequent support for Marvin over these past months.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Denton Prayer Book Fund at Congregation Beth Shalom or the charitable organization of your choice.
Funeral services took place on March 26 at Louis Memorial Chapel. Burial followed in Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
