DENNEY, JR., Charles A.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted on May 8, 2018 - Charles (Chuck) A. Denney Jr., 85, of Lake Havasu City passed away May 2, 2018 in Las Vegas. He was born May 14, 1932. Chuck's life was an inspiration to all who knew him. He lived life with passion and the ongoing desire to help those around him. Chuck's career was in the broadcasting business in both Lamar and LaJunta, Colorado. As owner of the LaJunta station, he was active in all aspects of community activities, including sports broadcasting and morning talk shows. His achievements included being selected as Colorado's Broadcaster of the Year, president of the Colorado Broadcasters Association and a member of the selection committee for the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. In his free time, he was a public servant, acting as mayor of LaJunta as well as Otero County commissioner for eight years. Chuck's other main interest was as a Rotarian, becoming a member in 1969. Highlights of his tenure with the club included the "Service Above Self" award given by Rotary International, one of only 150 honored for the award worldwide each year. He helped organize and fundraise Rotary's contribution of 2,800 wheelchairs to those in need in Mexico as well as participating in administering polio vaccines to children in Egypt. Chuck proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army 1953- 1955. He was an avid Ohio State fan, having been born and raised in Columbus, and loved baseball and golf. He spent several years umpiring and was selected to umpire in the Colorado State High School championship game. Not wanting to slow down in life, Chuck got his Arizona real estate license at age 75 and was affiliated with West USA Realty in Havasu until the time of his death. He concentrated primarily on the sale of vacant lots at the Refuge, a golf community where he lived. He referred to himself as "The Rotarian Realtor at the Refuge." He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Delma Denney. Chuck is survived by his wife Diane of Havasu, sons, Dave (Lynn) of Windsor, Colorado, Rick (Melinda) of Loveland, Colorado and daughter Karen Williams (Dave) of Swink, Colorado, stepson Rob Cornelius of Las Vegas, and stepdaughter Kim Martinez (Lou) of Rancho Cucamonga, California, brother Bob (Leslie) of Havasu, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren plus several nephews and nieces. Chuck's celebration of life service is set for 11 a.m., May 14 at the Calvary Baptist Church's McCulloch campus, 1605 S. McCulloch. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org/en/donate. Published in Today's News Herald