Johnny Denning

Johnny Denning, 71, of Cove, died at his home Tuesday, November 28, 2017 surrounded by his family. A Traditional Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2017~ 11:00 a.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Cove, Oregon. Interment to follow at the Cove Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family after interment back at the Church for a reception.

Johnny was born October 9, 1946 to parents Keith and Inez Denning in La Grande, Oregon. The majority of Johnny’s childhood was spent in Cove, Elgin, Pendleton and Joseph. During his childhood days he was a member of 4H. He attended the Cove High School and Upper Columbia Academy.

Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968 serving in Vietnam as a Combat Medic and a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

When Johnny came home after his time in Vietnam, he and began his 40 year career of hauling logs. He later became a member of the VFW.

April 10, 1980 Johnny married Lavonne Luebker. Together they raised 5 children and fostered many others.

Memorable times in Johnny’s life included camping trips with his family and packing mules. A highlight in Johnny’s life was traveling to the Grand Canyon and Zion National parks. Johnny enjoyed a lot of horseback and mule riding in the mountains. He had a soft spot for stray dogs, cats, goats, etc. He was also a rock hound and enjoyed discovering unusual finds. When he retired he began to a ride motorcycle, but he was strongly devoted to his love of mules.

Johnny adored homemade bread, lemon pie and milk. He lived by the “Golden Rule” and believed that you don’t judge a book by its cover. He was also known for saying, “Take care of your animals first. Then you can eat”. When we remember Johnny, we will remember a man who strongly believed in what the American flag stood for. He was a good father, brother and a supportive husband. Johnny had a sense of humor that shined to the end.

He was proceeded in death parents Keith and Inez Denning and a son Michael Denning.

Johnny is survived by his wife Lavonne Denning of 37 years; daughters Brenda Denning and Merilee Zacharias; sons Jimmy and Jake Denning; brother Jerry Denning and Sister Judy Denning; and 5 grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory Johnny, the family suggests the Blue Mountain Humane Society through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services. PO BOX 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

 Service Information