Date of death: 2/27/2024
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1975
Donald F. Denu, age 75, of rural Rockport, Indiana passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Don was born in Siberia, Indiana on February 14, 1949, to the late Louis and Mildred (Miller) Denu. In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his daughter, Terri Denu; his brother, John Denu; and his sister, Rosie LaGrange.
He is survived by his wife, Debra (Medrano) Denu of 25 years; his daughters, Connie Denu of TX; Donna Kuykendall (Pat) of Newburgh, IN; Vanessa O’Bryan of Newburgh, IN; Jeri Wongveerakul (Maui) of Richland, IN; his son, Robert Taylor of Thornton, CO; his grandchildren, Olivia and Oliver Wongveerakul; his brothers, Ed Denu of Birdseye, IN; Mike Denu (Jeina) of Siberia, IN; his sisters, Peggy Franchville of Bristow, IN; and Middy Keller (Jack) of Centerville, TN.
As a member of the U.S. Navy Don served on the USS Holland, USS Simon, and USS Hunley. He started active duty in 1967, during the Vietnam War where he was assigned to the Electronics Calibration Missile Maintenance and Repair Division. Don received nothing but the highest praise from his Commanding Officer H.M. Richardson, CDR, USN, and was recommended for retention in the U.S. Navy and advanced to Petty Officer First Class. Don was Honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1973. He was a Master Electrician for over 40 years and the owner of Denco Electric serving both commercial and residential customers. Shortly after his retirement, Don and Debra (Dee) moved to Rockport, his old stomping grounds.
Don was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed providing for and going the extra mile for his family. He loved the Midwest and rural living. He loved hunting, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and mushroom hunting, but most of all, enjoying all God’s creation. He spent hours imparting this love and his knowledge of all things outdoors, machinery, carpentry, and animals to his beloved grandchildren Olivia and Oliver. His beloved and faithful dog, Boy, never left Don’s side, even in his passing.
Don’s integrity, patriotism, and benevolence drove him to stand for this country’s freedom, through supporting the NRA, Republicans, and Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. Aside from politics, Don enjoyed playing keyboard & harmonica, and he loved the old country music of America!