Harold Richard "Pete" Denman

Sunday, February 9, 2014, Pete passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Carole, daughters Linda (Mark) Kraft, Vicky (Cliff) Mullins, Sue (Chris) Ball and son Skip (Tracy), grandchildren Jessica ( Bryan), Amye, Joe, Kristin, Jeremy, Kaytlin, Zachary, Hope, Robert, Lauren and Pete, great-grandchildren Logen, Aidyn, Oliver, and Jaxen, and his siblings Joyce (Joe) Evans, Robert (Maggie) Denman, and Garry Denman Sr. He is preceded in death by his daughter Patty Krahling and great-granddaughter Leilah Dawn Coady. Pete was born in Buffalo, NY, to Harold O. and Veronica M. Denman on November 6, 1932. He graduated from Riverside High School, where he played baseball and hockey. After a short time working for American Standard, he enlisted into the US Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War and served in Okinawa, Japan. He left the USAF in 1956 and re-enlisted with the Air National Guard's 107th Fighter Interceptor Group, Niagara Falls, NY. After achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in Supply. He was chosen to represent the NY Guard on the National Guard's 7402 Committee. He and his family moved to Maryland in 1975 when he was selected to numerous positions at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB and the Pentagon; this lead to the position of Executive Officer to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. His last assignment was with the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison Program Office. Pete retired from USAF in 1989, after 37 years of service. His highest award was the Legion of Merit. Upon his retirement, he worked for the Fairchild Aircraft company selling the C-26 aircraft, and lastly as Director of Air Activities with the National Guard Association of the United States in Washington, D.C. Pete was an avid golfer organizing countless tournaments and playing at every opportunity. His crowning achievement was a hole-in-one on #13 on the West Course at Andrews AFB. He will be remembered for his commitment to his wife, the honor of his son choosing his own military career, support to all his daughters with battling cancer, dedication to family, and ever present sense of humor. He was truly one of a kind. Friends received on Friday, February 14, 2014 from 3-6PM at Raymond Funeral Service, 5635 Washington Ave., La Plata, MD and on Saturday, February 15, from 10AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM at St Mary's Newport Catholic Church, 11555 St. Mary’s Church Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD, 20622. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Patty Denman Krahling Cancer Fund, c/o Vicky Mullins, 6379 Grant Chapman Drive, LaPlata, MD 20646.

Harold Richard "Pete" Denman

November 6, 1932 - February 9, 2014