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.

William attended Des Moines East High School and graduated in 1958, an accomplishment he remained proud of throughout his life. He also took a trade class for TV repair, adding to the practical skills that would serve him well over the years. In 1959, he married Ann, and together they had two sons, Bill and Dave.

Much of William’s life was shaped by hard work and a love for engines and the road. He delivered for Pepsi and also drove a gas transport with his dad. He later worked in the automotive machine industry for Bill Tucker Custom Engines and Longs AutoParts. One of his proudest accomplishments was opening his own auto shop in a house he built in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. He was a man who enjoyed working with his hands, and that spirit stayed with him throughout his life.

From his younger days on, William loved motorcycles, fast cars, and drag racing. As a youth, he was drawn to the excitement of speed and never lost that passion. He would not resist a challenge at a stoplight in his 1939 or 1950 Chevy, and he campaigned a race car with his dad, racing throughout the Midwest. After his dad’s passing, he sold the race car and built a house, marking a new chapter while still carrying his lifelong love of music and hot cars.

Later in life, William partnered with Judy Watson, and together they were like two peas in a pod. They traveled, enjoyed boating at Lake of the Ozarks, and shared many happy times. In retirement, they moved to Florida, where they enjoyed entertaining and golfing. William especially treasured getting a hole-in-one, another accomplishment that brought him great pride. He and Judy later moved to Hollister, Missouri, and then to El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

William enjoyed spending weekends traveling to be with family and friends and to enjoy Grandma’s fried chicken. He loved entertaining, boating, traveling, golfing, hot wings, and all things tied to speed and horsepower. He never gave up his love for working with his hands, hot cars, and the simple fun of being with others.

He is survived by his son, David (Tamara) Denning of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren, Emily, Lily, and William; and his lifelong friend, Ann Wolfram. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Watson Denning, and by his son, William Denning.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant, 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317.

William will be remembered for his energy, his strong hands, his love of engines and racing, and the good times he shared with the people he loved.