Ralph W. Denton

Ralph W. Denton, age 77, long time resident of Gaines, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life 1pm-4pm on Sunday April 28, 2024 at the American Legion Hall #294, 3440 Morrish Road in Swartz Creek. A short Military Honor Service will be held at 3pm at the American Legion Hall that same day. The military service will be live streamed and can be viewed on Ralph's obituary page. Sharp Funeral Home - Miller Road Chapel has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Online condolences can be shared www.sharpfuneralhomes.com 

Ralph was born on August 28, 1946 in Flint, Michigan to the late Ralph & Celena Denton. He graduated from South Western High School class of 1964. He married the love of his life, Janice Stewart(Denton), on December 28, 1965. He proudly served in the United States Army 167th Signal Company during the Vietnam War (1966-1967) as a radio operator. Ralph was employed in Skill Trades at General Motors for nearly 30 years, retiring at the age of 50 in 1996.

For many years Ralph volunteered as a Boy Scouts Leader. Throughout those years, he was most proud of the Kearsley Halloween Scream they ran for several years to help with fundraising. He absolutely loved cowboy action shooting and attended several Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) events. He enjoyed dressing up for SASS events so much he wore his cowboy outfits to many social events outside of shooting.  He was very creative; enjoying woodworking and carving. Ralph was a huge Pittsburg Steelers fan which he enjoyed watching with his son. Ralph and Janice enjoyed many years going camping and taking trips to the casino with their family and friends, and he was seen as a father-figure by many.  Above all, Ralph cherished time spent with his family, as his grandchildren are his pride and joy.  

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Janice Denton. His son and daughter-in-law, William and Michelle Denton; his  grandchildren: Kyra, Noah, Logan, Grace, and Parker; and great-grandson, Colton. As well as his two sisters, Helen Eitel and Maxine Hitchings. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members whom he loved dearly.