Francis Denton

THEBES, Ill. -- Francis A. "Sonny" Denton, 73, of Thebes passed away Friday, April 13, 2012, at his home.

He was born Nov. 24, 1938, at Thebes, son of Gerald A. and Frances E. Jolly Denton.

Denton retired after 21 years in the U.S. Navy, and had served in Vietnam.

He was a member of Freewill Baptist Church and Caledonia Masonic Lodge 47 AF&AM in Olive Branch, Ill., and American Legion Post.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Jean Full Denton, and a daughter, Melissa Denton, both of Thebes; a sister, Shirley Beasley of Tamms, Ill.; a niece, Kelly Beasley; three nephews, Gerald and Floyd Crisman, and Curtis Frazer.

Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Jones Funeral Home Tamms. A Masonic service will be held at 11 a.m. by members of Caledonia Lodge.

The funeral will follow, with the Rev. Curtis Alderson officiating. Interment will be in Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, Ill., with full military honors by Illinois National Guard and area veterans.