William "Bill" Donald Denning of El Dorado Springs, MO, passed away on September 14, 2026. Born July 27, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lillian C. and Richard William "Bill" Denning. 

He attended Des Moines East High and graduated in 1958. He married Ann in 1959 and had two boys, Bill and Dave. He took a trade class for T.V. repair, delivered for PEPSI, drove a gas transport with his dad, and also entered the automotive machine industry, working for Bill Tucker Custom Engines & Longs AutoParts, eventually opening his own shop in a house he built in Pleasant Hill, IA. 

In his youth, he had interests in motorcycles, fast cars, and drag racing, not resisting a challenge at the stoplight in his 39' or 50' Chevy. Soon campaigning a race car with his dad, racing in the Midwest and spending weekends traveling to spend time with family and friends and enjoy grandma's fried chicken. 

After his dad's passing, he sold the racecar, built the house, and soon partnered up with Judy Watson and became like two peas in a pod. Traveling and enjoyed their boat at Lake of the Ozarks. Soon retiring to Florida, where they enjoyed entertaining and golfing, and he even got a hole-in-one. 

He and Judy moved to Hollister, Missouri. After Hollister, it was El Dorado Springs, MO, next door to Ann, to her dismay. 

He never gave up his love for muscle, working with his hands, entertaining, hot wings, and hot cars. 

He is survived by his son, David (Tamra) Denning of Des Moines, IA; his grandchildren, Emily, Lily, and William; and his lifelong friend, Ann Wolfram. 

He is preceded in death by his son, William Richard Denning, and his wife, Judy Watson Denning.