David A. Denton

ELKHART - Former Elkhart City Judge, Magistrate and friend to many, David A. Denton, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2017 at Elkhart General Hospital, at the age of 79. A native of Elkhart, he was born on November 9, 1937 to the late Harold N. and Margaret (Arnold) Denton. He married JoAnn “Jo” Shoupe on March 18, 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Mishawaka. Surviving are: his wife and best friend of 56 years Jo Denton; daughter Tracy Denton and Tom Sparr; son Todd C. (Heather) Denton; and son Adam S. Denton; he is also “Pa Pa” to 10 grandchildren, Megan Denton (fiancée Nate Lint), Allison Denton, Jason Denton, Elliott Denton, Bailey Denton, Jack Steele, Bree Denton, Alexa Denton, Kate Steele and Claire Steele; 4 great grandchildren, Macey, Cayden, Mason, William and one arriving shortly, Charlotte. David graduated from Indiana University and University of Maryland Law School. He practiced as an attorney in private practice for over 50 years. He was elected Judge and appointed Magistrate in Elkhart City and County Courts for 26 years. He was a member of the Elkhart City Bar Association, its Scholarship Committee, and the Evening Optimist Club. He enjoyed spending time every Wednesday with his “Breakfast Buddies.” David never knew a stranger and touched many lives. He loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and was a big IU fan, but his most special times were with his grandkids. Services celebrating David A. Denton’s life will begin with visitation for family and friends from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. A celebration of his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 6, with addition visitation 1 hour prior at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, 134 St. Clair Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Raymond Laborde will officiate. Per David’s wishes, Cremation will follow. The family kindly request memorials to Guidance Ministries, 216 N. 2nd St., Elkhart, IN 46516 or Elkhart City Bar Association Scholarship Foundation, 131 E. Franklin St., Ste. 12, Elkhart, IN 46516. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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