Richard William Deneke

industry, passed away peacefully on October 29th, 2024. Richard was born on March 4th, 1922, in

Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Henry and Lucile Deneke. He graduated from the Colorado School

of Mines in 1943 with a degree of Engineer of Mines. He was immediately commissioned as a 2nd

Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers and served in both Europe and the South Pacific. One of

his assignments was building troop barracks using POWs after the takeover of Omaha Beach. He

was honorably discharged in 1947.

Richard went to work for United States Gypsum Company for the next 40 years. He married his

beloved wife Karin in 1959 while managing a Gypsum Plant in Plaster City, California. We still

display the street signed named after him- Deneke Lane. After a few more promotions, he settled

in Atlanta where he raised his family for the next 18 years. He retired in 1987 as Vice President of

Manufacturing.

Richard and Karin retired to Kenmure County Club in Flat Rock, NC where Richard actively

participated in Country Club activities and in the Hendersonville Community Foundation. He was

an avid Golfer, bridge player and self-taught investor. He was so successful in managing and

growing the Hendersonville Community Foundation investment fund that he was asked to continue

for several years.

In 2008, the devoted couple moved to Park Springs, a Continuous Care Facility in Stone Mountain

GA. Richard continued playing golf into his 90’s. On his 85th Birthday, he was asked how his golf

game went that day, and his reply was “I had a good day, I shot my age!” He also still enjoyed

bridge until he was over 100 and managed all his own investment accounts.

Richard will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, dedication to his family, and the impact he

made throughout his life. When asked his secret for living so long, he would always reply “a glass

of Scotch a day and a positive attitude”. He leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will

continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters Anne Christine Deneke and Suzanne Cushenberry. Son in law,

Chris Cushenberry and grandchildren Zachary and Carin Cushenberry.

A memorial service will be held November 27th at Park Springs Retirement Community. In lieu of

flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Georgia passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.