Funeral will be held on October 8th at Arlington National Cemetary. Please arrive at the administration building by 8:15am. Service is at 9am.
Colonel Joseph Frederick Denniston, USAF, Retired, 81, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away in his sleep on Thursday April 23, 2015. Joe was born at Camp Murphy in the Philippines on April 7, 1934. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia F. Denniston.
He is survived by a loving family: son Joseph F. Jr. (Annette); son Douglas P. (Shaleen); daughter Erin E. Burridge (Bruce); daughter Mary E. (Mollie) Franke (Michael); son Kevin G. (Tricia); grandchildren: Stephanie, Rebecca (Becky), Bruce (Boomer), Eric, Joseph (Joey), Makayla, Jenna, Christian, Katherine, Patrick, Emmalee, greatgrandchildren: Cecilia, Therrick, Max.
Joe was a devout Catholic who attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated Cum Laude in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Joe received his MBA at Michigan State in 1966. Joe loved everything Notre Dame, and often spoke of his time there, the many memories and friends he made during his years in school. It was during his time at Notre Dame that Joe met his loving wife Patricia (Patty). Joe and Patty were married on August 8, 1959. They stayed happily married for 52 years before the time of Patty’s passing June 22, 2011. Joe served 29 years in the US Air Force. His service included 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam War and time with Tactical Air Command, Strategic Air Command, Military Air Command and Air Force Headquarters at the Pentagon.
Joe loved dogs, boating, golfing, political history, reading history and spy novels, and watching any Notre Dame sports he could find on television. Joe will be deeply missed, but all who loved him are comforted knowing that he has been reunited with his bride in the Glory of Our Lord.
It would mean the world to our family to share a story or memory you have of Joe.
This picture means more to me than I'll probably be able to express in words. One thing I know is that something had to be going terribly wrong if Papa was disappointed and having his approval, even if you didn't know you needed it, meant more than can be imagined. It was in that rocking chair that Papa told me he'd seen lots of parenting in his day and he liked what he saw in me. He complimented little situations he'd witnessed, he complimented my abilities and best of all, he complemented my kids. Knowing that I'm not perfect and that I didn't do things the same way as everyone else seemed to mean so little and he made me believe my special little family stood a good chance at being just fine. Having the approval of Papa on something as important as parenting is just as important as having my own parents approval. I know I wouldn't be who I am, surprises and all, without the family I have. I appreciate the guidance and morals I was taught and can only hope to keep passing them on to my kids.
Denniston Reunions at Papa's house are unforgettable. They are memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. When Nana and Papa moved to Las Vegas, they put a pool in the backyard. Best idea ever. Once a year in August the Denniston clan meets in Las Vegas at Nana & Papa's house for a family reunion.
Highlights of the reunions include: pushing anyone and everyone into the pool, swimsuit or not, BBQing in the backyard, Fremont Street, and pool volleyball.
This picture captures the joy of these reunions perfectly. The grand finale for us grandkids was always having Papa join us in the pool. As you can tell by the expressions on our faces, these truly were the best family get togethers.
