- Lowell Osborne Denton, 85, former owner and publisher of the Flemingsburg Gazette for almost 48 years, died on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008.
He was born Aug. 11, 1923 in Fleming County, a son of the late Raymond and Edith Denton of Hillsboro.
As 1940 graduate of Fleming County High School, he received a degree in agriculture from the University of Kentucky in 1949, and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Omicron Delta Kappa. He taught agriculture at Fleming County High School for two years.
His military service included three years in the United States Army. He was stationed in England and Germany with a tank destroyer battalion, attached to the First Army.
Lowell married Jean Lawson Rankin on Nov. 24, 1949 and they purchased the Fleming Gazette, as it was known then, from Ransom Todd in 1951. He saw the newspaper business change in many ways but the most striking evolution occurred in technology as linotype machines and typewriters were replaced by computers. However, he remained loyal to his manual typewriter, at which he wrote his weekly column, "From the Publisher's Pen." They sold the newspaper in 1998.
A three term member of the city council, he was actively involved in bringing the Randall Company and U.S. Shoe into Flemingsburg, was one of several to organize the local Chamber of Commerce in 1963, and helped plan the Chamber's first Friendship Night. Other civic duties included a stint as chairman of the area Red Cross and past president of the local Lions Club. He was a long-time member of the Kentucky Press Association, a former Sunday school teacher and member of the Flemingsburg United Methodist Church.
Throughout most of his adult life, his passion and foremost hobby remained the game of golf. He was a proud charter member on the board of directors who formed the Fleming County Golf Association in 1965. Until his health declined, he rarely missed a day at the course to play a round, practice putting or visit with friends. A highlight on his 70th birthday came when his golf score equaled his age.
He was preceded in death by his wife, who died on November 26, 1999; two brothers George and Gene Denton; and two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Kidwell and Mrs. Rosaleen Jett.
Survivors include one daughter, Marjorie, a son-in-law, David, and grandson, Matthew Lowell Rankin Winfough, all of Cincinnati; one sister, Mrs. Barbara Ann Sorrell, of Hillsboro; several nieces and nephews; and his friend and companion, Mrs. Ausel Eubanks.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 at the Denton-Workman Funeral Home with Rev. Norman Wasson and Bro. Lynn Beach officiating. Burial will follow at the Fleming County Cemetery. Visitation 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20 at the funeral home.
The family suggests donations to the Fleming County Library or a charity of one's choice.
