Ronald "Ron" Ishom Denton

A proud retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major, Ron Denton went to his eternal rest November 10, 2023. Ron was, quite simply, a good man—who served his country, loved his family and was true to his word. Born in Evansville, Indiana in 1937, raised in Henderson, Kentucky, Ron worked on the family farm as a youngster and enlisted in the Air Force at 17. He served four years, after which he returned to Kentucky and engaged in several sales-related positions. In 1961, he rejoined the military, this time the U.S. Army, where he found his passion for healthcare logistics. He served in various posts, including in Vietnam and West Germany, and rose to the highest noncommissioned rank before retiring in 1977, after 20 total years of military service. In the Army, Ron developed an expertise in supply chain management, especially for hospitals and medical facilities. After leaving the military, he used this experience as Director of Materials Management for several large hospitals, including St. Mary’s in Knoxville. In 1993, Ron formed his own firm, HealthCare Logistics Services, nationally recognized as a leader in supply chain consulting that helped over 350 clients reduce costs and improve performance. In 2004, Owens & Minor acquired Ron’s firm and he became O&M’s Vice President, Resource Management Services. In 2014, Ron started another successful medical supply chain management consulting firm, Ron Denton & Associates, LLC, and he continued to advise that company’s management until his death. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Martha Louise Slaughter and stepfather William A. Slaughter. He is survived by his wife, Susan, the love of his life; and by his children of whom he was so proud—Dawn Tituskin (Andrew); Rhonda Kerr (Greg); and Devin Denton (Kim); and by his grandchildren, Kristopher Hawkins, Haley Denton and Adelynn Denton, who brought Ron great joy. Also surviving are Ron’s younger brothers, William Slaughter (Sheila) and Philip Slaughter. The family will receive friends at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville on Sunday, November 19 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Family and friends will then gather at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann on Monday, November 20 from 12:45 – 1:00 pm to leave in procession for a 2:00 pm graveside service at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 East John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, 8380 Fairview Rd., Lenoir City, TN 37772. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Ronald "Ron" Ishom Denton

August 25, 1937 - November 10, 2023