Laddie “Lad” S. Denish Obituary

Laddie “Lad” S. Denish, 93, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 11:20 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at his home in rural Palmyra, MO.

Private Graveside Services will be held at Durham Cemetery in Durham, MO. Pastor Jeff Voepel will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.

Lad was born February 3, 1933, in Durham, MO, to Vern and Willa Abell Denish. He married Jacke Ator on August 26, 1957, in Beverly, IL. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2012.

Survivors include his 3 daughters, Cathy (Gary) Page of Emerson, MO, Kell (Mike) Drebes of Palmyra, MO, Shawna (Kyn) Gordon of Emerson, MO, 7 grandchildren, Tim (Jamie) Jensen, Carrie (Landon) Lawrence, Melanie (Eric) Terschak, Brooke (Justin) Nelson, Kelcee Pyse, Joe (Bralynn) Drebes, Tanner (Jennifer) Gordon, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lad was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons, Laddie Denish, Jr., Kevin Denish, sister, Sue (Maynard) Swisher, brothers, Sam (Ann) Denish, Friend (Esther) Denish, Geene (Peach) Denish, infant brother, Bonnie Denish, grandson, Rob Jensen, and great grandson, JC Breault.

Lad was a proud member of Operators Union 965, beginning his career in 1957 with Hollembeak Construction and later dedicating many years to R.L. Brink until his retirement in 1998. He was known for his strong work ethic and firmly believed in working hard while also enjoying life to the fullest.

A faithful member of Emerson Baptist Church, Lad loved the Lord deeply and raised his family with the same strong faith and values. He was especially knowledgeable about the Bible and had a keen interest in studying end times prophecy.

Lad cherished country living and had a lifelong love for farming, fishing, including running bank lines. He found joy in simple pleasures and treasured time spent with family. He loved to sing and dance with his wife and kids, often starting impromptu dance sessions that created lasting memories for all who knew him.

An avid sports enthusiast, Lad enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, water skiing, watching NCAA basketball, and spending time with family and friends playing 4-point pitch. He was also a devoted reader of The Wall Street Journal and enjoyed relaxing with the Game Show Network.

Above all else, Lad dearly loved his family. His unwavering faith, joyful spirit, hard work, and deep devotion to those he loved will be remembered always by all who were blessed to know him.

Pallbearers will be Tim Jensen, Landon Lawrence, Eric Terschak, Tanner Gordon, Joe Drebes, and Justin Nelson.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice