Richard Lee Denman

Richard Lee Denman, 82, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. He was born on October 15, 1941, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Harold Lee & Rowena Esther Denman. As a kid, Richard enjoyed playing basketball and was a graduate of Elkland High School in Elkland, Missouri. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Missouri University and worked on his MBA at St. Louis University.

Following graduation from college, Richard worked at Maritz in St. Louis. Not only would that be the start of an amazing business career, it was also the start of an incredible journey of life and love where he met and married his future wife, Kathy Erwin. From there, Richard went to work for Coleman Company in Wichita, Kansas before joining Household Manufacturing in 1980 as Vice President of Marketing for Scotsman Ice Machine Division. Richard continued to rise the corporate ladder when he was appointed President of the Halsey Taylor-Structo Divisions of Household Mfg. in Freeport, Illinois, and later appointed President of the Eljer Plumbingware Division in 1985. In 1990, Richard joined Nortek Corp, where he served as Group Vice President with responsibilities over Linear, Raphael, and Music and Sound (M&S). He later served as President and CEO of M&S until his retirement in 1998. Although he had humble beginnings, Richard’s high level of intelligence and impressive work ethic paved the road to a successful career that brought him great satisfaction.

Not only was Richard blessed with a career that he loved, he was one that found joy in life itself. He was the life of the party, who had a wonderful sense of humor and relished in the simple joys life had to offer. Richard enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Kathy, and found delight in exploring as many different places as he could. With his brilliant mind, Richard always yearned to learn more. His love and appreciation for reading all types of books allowed him to expand his mind. He found great interest in the stock market and followed it closely in his retirement years. Richard cherished his faith and was a faithful member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Richard enjoyed people as he was personable and outgoing and made a friend everywhere he went. He was generous, kind, and was always there for those he cared for. More than anything, though, Richard’s family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband and father, always present with them and made them feel important and loved. He valued family dinners at home and dining out, which will be so fondly remembered. Richard doted on his grandchildren and especially loved the time he could look after them when they were young. Richard leaves a lasting legacy of dedication, adoration, and hard work that will be cherished for generations to come. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Wheeler; brother, Harold Denman, Jr.; and sisters, Valerie Denman and Billie Flynn. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kathy Denman; daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa & David Cunningham; Christina & Jimmy Rannabargar; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew & Megan Denman; grandchildren, Jessica, Jay, and Jackie Wheeler, William and Katherine Rannabargar, Barrett and Hudson Denman; and five great-grandchildren, Leila, Evelyn, Eleanor, Rhett, and Vivian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093.