Born September 26, 1926 in Taylorville to Ora C. and Emma (Peters) Denning, Sr., he married Norma C. Winters on November 22, 1946 in Peoria. She died October 5, 2012 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Ronnie Denning; one sister, Marilyn Messmer and six brothers, Richard Denning, Ora Denning, Frederick Denning, Max Denning, Clayton Denning and Donald Denning.
Surviving are two daughters, Vicki (Doug) Krog and Diane (Doug) Meaker, both of Pekin; two sons, John (Diana) Denning and Mark (Penny Underhill) Denning, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Jeff (Kelli Severns) Krog, Susie Meaker, Tiffany Wall, Sheri Denning and Johnny Denning, all of Pekin; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
He was a 1945 graduate of Pekin Community High School and was a member of the varsity basketball team.
John worked as a core maker first at Pekin Foundry for more than 25 years and then for Illini Foundry in Bartonville also for more than 25 years.
In retirement John volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, where he cleaned and enjoyed working on the landscape.
John was a self-taught organ and accordion player. He formerly played softball and pitched in the church league into his mid-70s. He also participated in Senior Olympics and had won numerous gold medals in his age division.
He was a member of New Beginnings Fellowship in Christ in Pekin.
His private funeral will be Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Susie Meaker, his granddaughter, will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
