Francis Linus Denning of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died late Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, at his home in Blackwell at the age of 77 years.

Francis Linus Denning was born on December 24, 1930, in Ogallah, Kansas, to Prudentius Joseph and Barbara Elizabeth (Windholz) Denning. He grew up in Trego County, Kansas, attending rural school before graduating in 1949 from Trego County High School. Following his education he worked for the Danner Mill Company at various elevators. He married Laurabelle Reinert on August 13, 1951, in Ellis, Kansas, and they settled in WaKeeney, Kansas, where he continued working at the mill. In 1959 he transferred with the company to Blackwell where he continued to work until 1962. He then began working at the Acme Foundry and attended electronic repair classes. Following his electronic training, he began working for Al's TV and Repair in Blackwell and worked there until 1978. He then worked for the Electron Corporation until his retirement when the plant closed. His wife preceded him in death on July 3, 2000, and he continued to make Blackwell his home. He was an active member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he also served on the Parish Council. He also held membership in the Knights of Columbus and held offices at both the district and state levels. He served as a Scout Master for Troop 34 in Blackwell and was a member of the Blackwell Jaycees. He enjoyed all sports, including Oklahoma State, Kansas basketball, St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by two sons, Ron Denning of Tonkawa, and Tim Denning of Tonkawa; five daughters, Lorrine McKain of Blackwell, Janet Irons of Blackwell, Corlene Miller of Emporia, Kansas, Debra Lovell of Blackwell, and Sherri Denning of Tonkawa; two brothers, Leonard Denning of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Louis Denning of Toole, Utah; eighteen grandchildren; and thirty-three great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Donald Denning; five brothers, Joseph, Edmund, Marcellus, Wilferd and Martin Denning; five sisters, Helen Denning, Clara Schoenberger, Evelyn Denning, Henrietta Littlechild and Elaine Newcomer; and a granddaughter, Tiffany Mazurier.

A prayer service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 13th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with funeral mass set for 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 14th at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Blackwell. Father Larok Obwona Martin and Deacon Bart Brashears will officiate. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be David Newcomer, Randy Newcomer, Mike Littlechild, Gordon Denning, Jeramy Miller and Ryan Lovell. The grandchildren will serve as honorary casketbearers.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church Knights of Columbus or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home. The family requests that contributions be made to either memorial in lieu of flowers.