IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Dorothy Elizabeth

Dorothy Elizabeth Denman Profile Photo

Denman

Mar 28, 1917 — May 30, 2022

Wichita Falls

Obituary

Dorothy Elizabeth Heyduck Denman lived an inspirational life for 105 years.  She was born on March 28, 1917, in Centralia, Illinois during WWI to Lola Elizabeth Fouts Heyduck and John Cecil Heyduck DDS.  Growing up during the Great Depression, she was a child of the greatest generation.  Dorothy had a passion and an ear for music.  She also broke barriers for women in music during her college years.  She graduated from Christian College in Columbia, MO and then the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Music. While in the music department at the University of Illinois she had a radio program and was chosen one of two girls who were accepted in the all-boys band.  Dorothy was a soloist, pianist, organist and flutist throughout her long life.

Dorothy loved to play golf, and it was on a golf course in her hometown of Centralia that she met the love of her life, Frank Monroe Denman Jr. in 1939. Dorothy and Frank married in 1940 and were soon blessed with four children.  After serving their country with Frank in the navy they settled in Wichita Falls, Texas.  It was here that long standing roots in the community began and a career in the oil and gas business.  In 1966, their son Denny (Frank Monroe Denman III) was taken by cancer, and Dorothy leaned into her faith as a Christian Scientist to sustain and guide her.  A few years later, Frank joined Moran Drilling Company and they set off for Bermuda where he coordinated drilling in the North Sea. During this time away from Texas they also lived in London and Stavanger, Norway making lifelong friends along the way.  The couple were also avid gardeners. While living in Bermuda,  Dorothy had a vibrant fuchsia, triple hibiscus vine in her garden.  Years after they had left Bermuda a gardener friend named the vine, the Dorothy Denman Hibiscus and it now flourishes in a number of gardens from Bermuda to Texas.

Frank died in 1986 and Dorothy took the helm as the matriarch of our very large family.  She became our anchor and our North Star.  Dorothy loved unconditionally and led by example always giving God the glory.  She would often say, "let go and let God".  She was the best Grandmother in the world, and had an impact on so many lives. She was a loyal friend and was loved by all that knew her.  She peacefully went to be with the Lord on May 30, 2022.

Dorothy was a founding member of the Wichita Falls Women's Symphony League and a Board Member of the Wichita Falls Symphony for 50 years. She was a member of the Colony Club for 69 years. Mrs. Denman was an early member of the Harmony Club, and she served as the soloist for numerous weddings and funerals throughout the years. Her strength came from her faith, inner peace and she led by example.  As her family grew to 50, she lovingly spent time with them all.  She was a great listener and was always ready with a delicious, home cooked meal.  She was famous for her coconut cake and homemade rolls.

Mrs. Denman is survived by one sister, Lu Ellen Agee, who lives in Centralia, Illinois at 103 years old with her family.  She is also survived by her children;  Elizabeth Ann Denman (Betsy) Waggoner and her husband, John Stephens Waggoner of Dallas, Laura Lou Denman Fuller of Wichita Falls, John Heyduck and Penney Perkins Denman also of Wichita Falls.  Dorothy had nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are: David Denman Fuller and Sheri of Decatur, Richard Lynn Fuller (Rick) of Wichita Falls,  John Edward Fuller and Brandi of Decatur, Caroline Elizabeth Waggoner Hautt and  Drew of Charleston, South Carolina, John Stephens Waggoner, Jr and Lucrecia Trejo of Dallas,  Douglas Frank Denman and Ruth of Cedar Park, Jeffrey Lee Denman and Sasha of Fort Worth,  John Perkins Denman (Jay) of Fort Worth, Ashley Marie Denman also of Wichita Falls. Great-grandchildren are Elizabeth Ann Hautt, William Andrew Hautt Jr., John Waggoner Hautt, Isabel Maria Waggoner, Daniel Stephens Waggoner, Courteny Paige Fuller, Meagan Ann Fuller, Ira Brody Fuller and Charyle Ann, Hope Ann Fuller Stallard and Cole, John Wyatt Fuller, Culver Drake Harper and Ciara, Bree Ann Fuller, Duke Monroe Denman, Dane Thomas Denman, Eden Brooks Denman, Reagan Elizabeth Denman, Riley Kate Denman. Great-great grandchildren are Kyle McCullom, Bailey McCullom, Cole McCullom, Bryson Hatfield, Luke Roark, Zane Roark, Dakota Roark and Connelly Harper.

The family would like to thank her dedicated caregivers: Becky Lay, Dora Askew, Mary Rios, Alyssa Geter, Jill Wilson, and Tillie Garcia that were tireless with their loving care.  Hospice of Wichita Falls was also a great comfort with their care and guidance.

There will be a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church at 3601 Taft Blvd. in Wichita Falls, Texas on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

If you would like to make a memorial please donate to: Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, The ARC of Wichita Falls, First Step, Hospice of Wichita Falls or the charity of your choice.

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our tree store.

Funeral Services

Memorial Service

June
4

Saturday

2:00 - 3:00 pm

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