Jacob Denson

Did you know?

Jacob Denson, 97 years YOUNG , was the youngest son of late Rev. Richard Manuel and Mattie Lizzie Denson.  Jacob was born June 22, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and peacefully made his transition in Laveen, Arizona on March 19, 2018 under his daughter’s care.

Jake as he was called, was the last of seven siblings to Richard and Mattie.  Preceding him in death was his wife Billie Jane; his brothers Isaac, Moses and Paul, and his sisters, Marjorie, Catherine and Morrell.  Continuing to celebrate his life are his children, Janet of Laveen, Arizona, Judson (Barbara) of Charlotte, North Carolina, William (Veretta) of Los Angeles, California, Barry (Beverly) of Baltimore, Maryland and Darryl of Reading, Pennsylvania. Also honoring his life are 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He wore a plethora of names on his shoulder for those who loved him: Jake, Denny, Tiny, Daddy, Dad, Pops, Mate, Pop-Pop, 3-Pop, Uncle Jake, Unc, and brother by his loving sister-in-law Dorothy Denson.  Jake loved his family dearly. He loved to travel to visit his children family and friends throughout the United States. He cherished the friends he met over the years in Kansas, Missouri, California, Delaware,Virginia, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Florida and the list goes on.

Jake joined the U.S. Army on December 10, 1941 and was honorably discharged November 20, 1945 achieving the rank of Sergeant.  A veteran of WWII, Jake attended mechanic school in Hampton, Virginia where he became a master truck and jeep mechanic and truck driver during his tenure in the army.  He valiantly fought in Germany and was stationed in northern France, Scotland, Rhineland, and Germany.  He spoke often of specific instances where he drove into enemy territory in Germany to rescue his fellow soldiers under fire from certain death in 1948.

During his tour of duty, his mother was always at the forefront of his mind.  He purchased a home at 126 N. Church Street, Parkesburg, PA for his mother while serving in the Army.

Jake loved sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. He was a track star and basketball star at Parkesburg High School.  Coach Matt Minch, referred to him as one of the best overall athletes in his generation in Parkesburg.  The genes were passed on to his children as they excelled at basketball, baseball, soccer and track at Octorara High School and now his grandchildren.

Jake was a lifelong member of Bethany AME Church, where his father served as pastor over a hundred years ago. Jake was a member of the Men’s Choir and served as the chairperson of the Annual Men’s Day. He beatified Bethany inside and out. A trait that he took to heart for over seventy-five years was his commitment to visiting those who were sick at home, in the hospital or in rest homes. It was his mission to put a smile on hundreds of peoples’ faces that he came in contact.  He willingly visited, prayed and comforted those who were in need without any recognition. Jake Denson was a missionary serving behind the scenes.

Jake was an Honorary member of A Father Forever Organization in Los Angeles, California and Love Images Organization in Laveen, Arizona.

Jake leaves also behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout the country.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Thursday, March 29th from 6 until 8 PM at Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg.  The Funeral Service will be held the following day, Friday, March 30th at 10 AM at Bethany AME Church, 405 Green St, Parkesburg, PA 19365 followed by interment at the Mt. Zion AME Cemetery, Atglen, PA. In lieu of flowers, please send cards to Dr. Janet L. Denson, PO Box 2, Parkesburg, PA 19365. You can make donations payable to Summerhaven Assisted Living Home and send them to the same address.