Harold Joe Denton, of Premont, Texas or "Papaw", as he was intimately known, went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 2:55 p.m. He was surrounded by loving family, reading scripture and playing hymns for him. (It was his brother Ronnie's birthday. Ronnie had preceded him in death so we suspect Papaw wanted to go get a piece of that heavenly birthday cake)

He was born on April 15, 1935 in Norton, Texas to Harold E. "Jack" Denton and Ada Pearl Jones Denton. He married Estalene Belcher Denton on November 24, 1955 in Ballinger, Texas.. They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage this November.

He was employed at U.S. Gypsum and Flintkote Company in Sweetwater, Texas until 1967 when he went to work for ExxonMobil until he retired on December 15, 1993. He loved to garden, fish, and woodworking. Many of the works of art he crafted through the years, adorn the homes of his relatives and close friends. He was fortunate enough to live in the country where he could continue his "farm boy heritage."

He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He taught a Sunday School class for many years and was the church's Charter representative for Cub Scout Troop #55 and Boy Scout Troop #186.

He coached Little League for many years and would you believe as easy going as he was, he got thrown out of a game or two for defending his team?

He was a member and an officer for the Premont FFA Booster Club where he was involved in the Jim Wells County Fair. He was also a Steward for Exxon Employees Federation. Harold enriched the lives of many; this profound legacy of strength, dedication to the family, and the willingness to love thy neighbor, will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to have known him.

He is survived by his wife, Estalene, four children; Stacy (Julie) Denton, Pam (Carl) Durham, Regina Denton, and James Roderick Denton; Eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; Heather (Lester) Moore, Hailey and Lilly; Rodney (Jill) Denton and Noah; Randy Denton, Shailee and Jaelyn; Lindsey (Aaron) Malek, Jack and Jacob; Kasie (Dustin) Meyer, Dixon and Kimber; Amy (Wyatt) Beavers, Claire; Ryan (Samantha) Denton, James, Spencer, and Harper; Hallie (Normar) Garcia and Summer; three step-grandsons: Josh (Heather), TD (Sydney), and Joel Durham; one sister Mary Smith; sister-in-law Shirley Denton; sister in law Carolyn (James) Parker and a brother-in-law Mike Belcher; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved.

Harold is joined now in heaven by his parents Jack and Ada Denton and brother Ronnie Denton.

We wish to give a special word of praise to Kingsville Hospice: Olivia, Dawn, Skylar and Gabriella for their unwavering dedication to our beloved Papaw. Through your kindness, we are assured that his transition to eternal life was a peaceful one. To the children and grandchildren who were able to faithful serve Papaw in his final days, along with the rest of the family who have loved us, both near and far, we appreciate you sincerely. Lastly to the devoted friends of the Denton family, who have been present to provide both the comfort of their love and countless meals. These generous gifts that you bestow upon our family continues to fill our hearts with joy.

Memorial Services to celebrate Harold's wonderful life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, 346 S.W. 5th St. Premont, Texas 78375

Thomas Pena, of Guardian Funeral Home - Corpus Christi, entrusted with funeral arrangements; please contact 361-227-9963 for floral delivery inquires.