Edgar “Ed” Henry Denk Jr., 91, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 with his family at his side. Ed was born in Buffalo, NY on July 29, 1927 to Edgar H. Denk and Victoria O. Denk.
Ed graduated from Pine Hill High School, and served in the U.S. Navy in World War ll. Afterwards he graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1945 with a degree in Chemistry. He was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force lieutenant in 1952. An accomplished fighter pilot, Ed commanded a variety of aircraft, including the T-33, A-1, F-86, F-101 and F-106, retiring in 1971. Major E.H. Denk Jr. was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, the Air Force Commendation Medal with nine oak leaf clusters and a special commendation from South Vietnam. Ed flew over 160 combat missions in Vietnam.
After retirement, he earned an MBA at S.U.N.Y. Buffalo, and served as a Junior Scientist with Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Assistant Business Officer for the State of New York, Office of Mental Health, retiring after 20 years of state service. Ed was an avid hunter, fisherman and sports fan. He was a devoted husband and father, and coached many of his sons’ sports teams. Ed enjoyed spending time with his lovely wife, visiting their children, family and friends, and always made time to watch his favorite sports teams: New York Yankees, Ole Miss football Rebels, and Duke University basketball. Ed and Marge often enjoyed dining at their favorite restaurant, Riccardo’s on Highway 441 in Belleview.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 66 years, Margarete B. Denk; sons, Edgar H. Denk lll (partner Billie Giese), Michael Denk (wife Padideh P.), David Denk (wife Trish), James (wife Billie); sisters, Patricia Taylor and Allayne Barnum; son-in-law Will Walker; also seven grandchildren Maggie Denk, Andie Eldridge (husband Ron), Courtney Denk, Scott Denk, Gunther Denk, Oliver Denk, and Balthazar Denk; and two great grandchildren: Jay Ryon and Eva Eldridge. He was preceded in death by his daughter Karyn Walker.
Funeral burial with Military Honors will be held on Friday, November 12, at the National Florida Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 1:30 p.m.
The family would like to acknowledge the care provided to Ed by the staff at Elan Buena Vista in The Villages, Florida, as well as by Dr. John Hayes and the entire medical and nursing staff at The Villages Regional Hospital.