Donald Denniston

Don Denniston, 73, of Ottumwa, passed away on the morning of July 30, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa. Donald Lynn Denniston, son of George Harry and Verla May (Dixon) Denniston, was born November 10, 1951, at St. Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa. At age 14, he quit school to go to work. His first job was at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa. At age 17, he joined the Army and was eventually sent to Germany. In the Army, he served as a cook and was discharged as a corporal in 1975. While in the Army, Don married Gail Granneman on July 13, 1970; two children were born to this union, and she joined him in Germany. They later divorced. Don married Debra (Jordan) Weiss on December 10, 1977; two children were born to this union. They later divorced. Upon his return to Ottumwa, he went to work in a body shop; he worked as a car body repairman until 1992. At that time, he returned to school at Indian Hills Community College and earned his certification to drive semi-trucks. Don mainly drove out of Des Moines, hauling produce. He retired in 1997. In 2012, Don met Linda Arterburn, and they soon became companions. Don learned to love cooking while in the Army and became an excellent cook and baker. He also enjoyed tinkering with old cars and attending collector car shows. Don’s family includes his children: Scott (Kathy) Denniston of Phoenix, AZ; DeAnna Heronomus of Fort Worth, TX; Don (Sarah) Conder of Ottumwa; and Frances Denniston of Ottumwa; his grandchildren: Sierra Yeoman, Zachary, Devon, Aaron, Colton, Hannah and Erica Conder, and Noah Denniston; his companion’s daughters: Bernadette Garza of Chicago, IL and Brianna Porter Arterburn of Keosauqua; her son, Bradley Arterburn of Coralville; her grandchildren: Olivia and Lucas Porter; his siblings and their spouses: Sharon and Bob Parcell of Ottumwa; Rebecca Eklofe of Ottumwa; and Tina and Charlie Padgett of Ottumwa; two sisters-in-law: Nancy Denniston of Ottumwa and Linda Denniston of Sparks, NV; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his companion, Linda Arterburn; his second wife, Deborah Weiss; four brothers: Richard Eakins, Jerry, William, and Ronald Denniston; two sisters: Lorraine Stevens and Jean Goetz; a granddaughter, Madison Akerman; a grandson, Dustin Yeoman; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Eklofe. As was Don’s wish, his body has been cremated. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Old White Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Oskaloosa Honor Guard will be presenting Military Honors. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter.

Donald Denniston

November 10, 1951 - July 30, 2025