Timothy Paul Denton
“Life is good!” was Tim Denton’s mantra. And his friends and family know that Tim’s optimistic outlook extended into all aspects of his life. He worked hard and played hard, and he lived and loved to the fullest. For Tim, “life is good” was a state of mind.
Tim Denton, 73, of Rochester, was surrounded by family when he peacefully left this world behind on May 27, 2022 – a fitting tribute for a man who put his family first – always the proud, protective and loving patriarch who was there whenever needed. For many of his friends, Tim was their family, too. He was easy to get to know, and he never met a stranger.
Tim was born in Mexico, Mo., on January, 29, 1949, son of Homer A. and Edna L. (Brownfield) Denton. He graduated from Rochester High School, but not before he had started his more than 50-year truck driving career at the age of 16. He traveled many a long, lonesome highway that spanned the 48 continental states. One might imagine now that he’s made it to his last coffee shop, listening to “I’ll Leave this World Loving You,” and “My Way.”
In 1991, Tim married his true love, Darlene, and embraced his new family as his own. He and Darlene bought the Corner Tavern in Monterey, Ind., in 2005, and Tim “worked” both sides of the bar up until a few weeks ago. For Tim and Darlene, the business was their social life, and the patrons were their friends.
Along with Darlene, Tim is survived by sons Jason Denton (April) and Mark Shambarger (Julie) and daughters Jeni Moore (Brody) and Kendra Chudzynski (Dan). He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Ryan (Melisa), Kiley (Steve), Chandler (Kayla), Jaycee, Hailey, Brandon, Payton, Molly and Gemma, along with five great-grandchildren: Aaron, Mackenzie, Mason, Kinley and Ellie, and another, Baby Boy Freeman, on the way. He’s also survived by his sister, Sherry Benedict, a sister-in-law, Sandy Smith, nieces and nephews and his best furry little buddy, Rocky.
He was preceded in death by his parents; special aunt and uncle, Peggy and Paul Reasoner; and son, Capt. Rodney Shambarger. Cooper the cocker spaniel has also been waiting with wags and kisses for Tim to join him.
Tim was a member of the Teamsters Local #364, Indiana Freemason Lincoln Lodge, the I.O.O.F., Lions Club of Monterey, American Legion, a trustee of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and an auxiliary life member of the VFW.
Tim’s family would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Julius Sitjar for years of outstanding care and Stillwater Hospice of Fort Wayne for the comfort they provided to Tim and his family. If Tim were here, he’d also want to recognize his two close friends, Peter Bilt and Glen Livet. “One more, and we’ll all go.”
Per Tim’s wishes, his body was willed to the Indiana University School of Medicine for the advancement of medical education. Burial will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN, 46975 (fultoncoanimalcenter.org), or to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #852, 108 E. 4th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Please include “Tim Denton Memorial” in your check’s memo line.
An open house gathering to remember Tim will be held 3-6 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Geneva Center outdoor pavilion, SR 31 north of Rochester. Food will be available.
