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Homer Denning '62 May 11, 2020 11:06 AM updated: May 18, 2020 8:31 AM

Homer Lee Denning, born October 23, 1939 in Bryson, Texas, passed away May 7, 2020 in Frisco, TX. He was the youngest child of Mary and Luther Denning who raised their family in the quiet town of Bryson. Thanks to a trusted advisor Homer chose to seek higher education at Texas A&M University, and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with Honors from Texas A&M University in 1962, the first in his family to earn a college degree. After a brief adjustment period, he thrived at A&M where he rose to Colonel in the Corps of Cadets, First Lieutenant Platoon Leader in the Ross Volunteers, Senior Court President, and President for the Marketing Society.

Homer served his country at Scott Air Force Base as First Lieutenant from 1962 to 1965. There he met and married Linda Randolph Denning on November 28, 1964. In 1966, he was employed by Ford Motor Company working as a sales management executive. His lifelong love of cars inspired his 1974 purchase of Cowboy Ford and Mercury in Waxahachie, Texas, which he owned until 1980.

Afterwards, he began a career in the industrial distribution industry. Homer started as Dallas Branch Manager for the equipment group of Briggs Weaver in 1980. The branch flourished under his leadership. His unique talent and enormous contributions to the company were immediately recognized and he was steadily promoted, earning the attention of the larger Briggs Weaver supply group. He was made President of all of Briggs Weaver, retaining control of the equipment group, comprising 6 branches in Texas and Louisiana. When the parent company of Briggs Weaver sold the supply business but kept the equipment group, they asked Homer to be CEO. He proceeded to acquire more locations in Arizona and California, eventually totaling 15 locations. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of Case Equipment dealers in the Southeast and within five years Briggs Construction Equipment was the largest Case dealer in the US. He always enjoyed and valued every relationship he built, particularly with his colleagues. His position there enabled him to impact and inspire others to pursue their goals and find a place where they could thrive. A natural mentor, he never forgot where he came from and the people who believed in him. Homer retired from Briggs Construction Equipment in 2004.

Homer balanced his strong work ethic and drive with devotion to the people and things he loved, his central source of pride being his family. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, attending nearly every sporting event. Blood certainly was not the only thing that defined family for Homer. He cherished his friendships and embodied the ideals of his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies: fierce loyalty, patriotism, and college football. As a “Keeper of The Spirit and Guardian of The Traditions of Aggieland,” Homer never declined an opportunity to tell a story from his time there. He was an avid golfer, lover of horses, and enjoyed spending time outdoors boating and fishing at Lake Texoma.
He is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Mary Jane Denning and brothers Winifred and Edward Denning. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Mary Denning Ellard, children Laura LeCrone and Jennifer Denning, M.D., son in-laws Adam LeCrone and Geoff Smith, and four beloved grandchildren, Caroline and Jack LeCrone, Cora Denning, and Chloe Smith.

Due to the current restrictions a small private service will be held May 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm in Wildwood Chapel, Restland Park, and a separate memorial ceremony will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date. Visit his obituary on restlandfuneralhome.com to access the livestream of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Association of Former Students Fund at https://www.aggienetwork.com/give/funds/?cdAllocationId=AFSDENNING or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org in his name.


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