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Mullis "Mo" and Peggy "Pegi" Denton

On Friday, April 3, 2020, Mullis ("Mo") Denton passed away. Peggy ("Pegi") Denton followed him in his passing on Saturday, April 4. The two were married for 67 years. Mo was born on October 5, 1929. Pegi was born July 28, 1932.  



The couple is survived by their three sons, Matt, Bryan and Deron, two daughters-in-law, Kathy and Jeannie, two grandsons, Abram and August, and two great grandchildren, Liam and Alaina.   



Both were born in the Dallas, Texas area. Mo was a Golden Glove boxer in his younger days, and not one of his three sons ever contemplated trying to spar with him. As a young teen, Mo worked as a “soda jerk” and then began pumping gas. It is a testament to his remarkable work ethic that Mo eventually turned a gas attendant job into a career with Mobil Oil, where he became manager of their credit division, in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked for Mobil until he was offered an early retirement package at 55. 



Pegi earned a bachelor’s degree in the early 1950s, then resumed her academic career later in life, earning a Master’s degree in special education and teaching at Johnson County Community College. She developed an innovative reading strategies program for those with dyslexia. It was considered “cutting edge” at the time, parts of which were later broadly adopted. Pegi’s love of learning and language were contagious. 



Mo and Pegi’s kindness and generosity were profound. Their friendliness toward all and their easy laughter will leave a deep wake in their absence.   



Much of the couple’s “retirement years” were spent between traveling and helping hundreds, if not thousands, of lives through their three-plus decades of work with parents and teens struggling with a variety of conflicts and issues. In group sessions, they helped families through challenging times, sharing their experience, wisdom, strength and wit, which many recall and continue to be grateful for to this day.



They will be remembered for making people’s lives better - especially the lives of their children and grandchildren. And a good life doesn’t get any better than that. 



A small private service will be held for immediate family on May 2.  A video of the service will be available by contacting Kathy at kcdenton42758@gmail.com
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Condolences

Mike Downs Apr 19, 2020

work

Mo and Peggy will be sincerely missed and we were sad to hear this happened during this time of the virus. Many people will remember them and especially Peggy's smile. Mike and Janice Downs

Linda Buchner Apr 19, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. The brief story of their lives is so inspiring to me. Theirs were not wasted lives. Seems they gave generously and that’s what I hope we all do. Wishing you all blessed healing.

Andrew & Patti Ward Apr 19, 2020

Dearest Dentons, our deepest sympathies with wonderful memories of your wonderful parents. We’re so sorry.

Ginny Wirtz Apr 19, 2020

Worked at JCCC ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was so thankful Pegi hired me to join the Learning Strategies program at JCCC. She indeed had a contagious, encouraging, and generous heart. Pegi could also walk fast. Mo and Pegi were an esteemed couple.

Peggy Denton Apr 19, 2020

Same name which caused us to have phone conversations ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I only knew your mom through phone conversations. We both worked at community colleges. I at KCKCC in Ks. City Ks. while your mom at. JO. Cty. We had the same doctors and medical bills were mixed up thus resulting in our conversations to get it straightened out. We had much in common and had very nice conversations. I am so sorry you lost your parents. May you know peace at this time.prayers Prayers for your family.

Randy and Janet Spicer Apr 19, 2020

Friend and co-worker ,Lenexa ,Kansas

We will miss these two wonderful people very much. Beside working together, they became very good friends and we are at a loss to hear of their passing. May God bless them and prayers for their family at a time that is extremely hard for all. We will never forget all the laughs and joys we had when we got together.

Kim Goering Robinson Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Your parents sound like wonderful people, and based on who you are as a man, a fellow traveler, and a friend, it’s clear how they led by example. What richness and I’m sure they will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and my heart.

Bill & Ona Belle Stephens Apr 19, 2020

fellow church and class members ,Lenexa ,Kansas

To two of the most unique persons I have met in my 65+ years as a pastor. May God continue to bless and keep both of you. Rev. Bill and Ona Belle Stephens

Laura and Rick Stief Apr 19, 2020

StandUp Parenting ,Lenexa ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear of Peg and Mo’s passing. I called recently to set-up lunch and wish we were able to work that out more quickly. We will all miss their caring ear and wisdom about parenting. We are trying to carry the torch of leadership in their honor but will never quite live up to their legacy. It’s so hard to believe we are unable to call for advice so I can imagine how hard it is for you as their family. We all loved them and have you in our prayers. Sincerely, Laura. Lgstief@gmail.com

Pat Jonason Apr 19, 2020

Friend and co-worker ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Pegi and Mo will be profoundly missed. Both were such delightful people. I taught with Pegi at JCCC. She and I piloted the writing strategies course and a power spelling course. Both those courses targeted adults with learning disabilities. We presented at national conferences in the mid-1980's. She certainly influenced my career. Prayers for all!

Anne Canfield Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am very sad to learn of Mo and Pegi's untimely passing. They helped me a great deal in the late '80s/early '90s when I was struggling as a single mom with a challenging teenager. I wish I could tell them now that, against all odds, she and I have a close and loving relationship. I will never forget them!

Jan Keegan Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so sorry about the deaths of Pegi and Mo. I will greatly miss them. I will also miss their little Bubba take good care of him. My regards an prayers to all of the family.

Connie & Gary Shaull Apr 19, 2020

friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We knew these fine folks through COR initially. Then again through their friends Russ & Verna Miller at Lakeview Village. We played Hand & Foot with Pegi. She was such a delightful lady. Fun to be with. Easy to visit with. Laughter came easily for her. We are so sad at the loss of these two folks. And, especially to this terrible virus. We send our deep sympathy to each of you family members and to other friends who will miss them deeply.

Janet Thompson Apr 19, 2020

Mobil Oil Friend ,Richardson ,Texas

I'm very sorry for your loss. Mo & Pegi were favorite people of mine. Always looked forward to our Mobil Summit and seeing them. They had welcoming smiles and we shared many, many laughs at these fun times.

Bob & Sharon Denton Apr 19, 2020

Nephew ,Dallas ,Texas

Our condolences on your loss. They will be missed by everyone who knew them.

Suzanne Woodward Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Pegi and I met in an exercise class shortly after I retired in 1999. She and I hung out in the back row and laughed at the things our instructor wanted us to do that we thought were ridiculous. Several years later, Mo and Pegi helped me get through a period when I was a divorced mother trying to understand a very angry and rebellious teenage son. My son is 35 years old now, and he and I have a loving and respectful relationship. A few years later, I went to work at JCCC in the program a Pegi started. The program has helped thousands of struggling college students and us still going strong. My prayers are with Pegi, Mo, and all of you. Suzanne Woodward

Cindy Fieser Apr 19, 2020

Acquaintance ,Lee’s Summit ,Missouri

I met your parents at a meeting for parents struggling with children’s behavior. They were both so welcoming and non-judgemental. Always with a smile and always supportive and encouraging. I am so thankful for their support during a difficult time. They will not be forgotten.

Dreyfus & Marie Froe Apr 19, 2020

Sunday School Classmates ,Raymore ,Missouri

Peggy and Mo will be sorely missed however we firmly believe that they both are now happily in God’s presence. Family, may the peace of God be upon you.

Jim Owens Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa (Lakeview) ,Kansas

Pegi and No were good friends. I often ate dinner with them, lived in the same building at Lakeview and worked with Pegi in the What-Not-Shop for many years They were a wonderful, warm, caring, creative couple. Pegi and I hosted a number of variety shows as well as working together. Pegi and Mo are greatly missed. The beauty with which they touched other lives was a blessing to all of us. Jim Owens

Walter Hall Apr 20, 2020

Brother of Kathy Denton ,Coldwater ,Mississippi

Very best people in my book. Just special. Mo had that smile and Peggy always had that twinkle in her eyes. Wish I'd been able to spend more time with them both.

Janice & W. M. Stalcup Apr 20, 2020

Friend and co-worker ,Sedona ,Arizona

As you read these condolences Bryan, Deron and Matt, we hope you will see and appreciate what the loss of your parents is for all who had the privilege of knowing them! Individually, Pegi and Mo made you smile. Together they could lite up a room! They saw the potential in others and knew how to draw the best out of each of us. They were “givers” to all who knew them. We only wish times were different and we could celebrate their lives and share our favorite Pegi and Mo stories with you! We miss them so and send our condolences.

Ellen Apr 20, 2020

Friend ,KcMO ,Missouri

Those parents of yours were awwwwwesome! I was so lucky to get support from them when my teenager was making me want to pull out my already thinning hair! Pegi’s legacy will continue through me.....it’s one of my favorite things to say to a fraught parent. “don’t DIMINISH your child by doing it for them” They have helped so many of us RIP

Shellie Cooper Apr 20, 2020

Stand up Patenting ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Pegi and Mo were such an amazing couple.They will be greatly missed. They helped me during a trying time with my son and i will never forget their passion. My deepest sympathy.

David and Janice Doan Apr 21, 2020

Long time Friends ,Shawnee ,Kansas

We’ve known them for many years and will miss them dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dan and Terri Shirley Apr 21, 2020

Friends ,Berthoud ,Colorado

We enjoyed Mo and Pegi throughout the years with their wisdom they shared with much humor. They were delightful to be around and sorely missed in the community. We will keep the family in our prayers.

Lidia Walker Apr 22, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I worked with Mo for many years and was blessed to know him and Pegi!! They were very kind and always had a big smile on their faces. They are together in Heaven!!! God Bless!!

Phyllis Young Apr 22, 2020

COR/StandUp Parents ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

Mo & Pegi's wit and wisdom coupled with their non judgemental compassionate acceptance stays with me to this day. May their memory always be a blessing.

Bonnie Ellis Apr 23, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Steve and Sara Russell Apr 23, 2020

Church friends and fellow retiree ,Independence ,Missouri

We will miss seeing Mo and Pegi in church. Since we can't meet at present, we didn't realize they were ill. They were wonderful people and will be missed.

Patrick J Baxter Apr 24, 2020

Friend of Matt ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

What a beautiful couple and an amazing testament to helping people! I lost my parents together almost like this. Jan/Feb of 2019 - 15 days apart. They loved each other so much and wanted to be together forever. Now these two couples are in heaven - together again! Very sorry for your loss, and very happy for these two beautiful couples - but they WILL be missed! Until we see them again :-) Patrick

Bill & Martha Blackwell May 02, 2020

Best friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We will not get over this loss, ever. These two wonderful people were so important to us and hundreds of others. A special Christian couple surrounded by thousands of others in their church. The Peace of Christ to their family and friends.

Robin harwood May 03, 2020

I worked with Peggy at JCCC for many years ,Leawood ,Kansas

Peggy was dedicated educator and a delightful person to work with. You have my deepest sympathy. I can’t imagine the loss you must feel. Please take comfort in your memories and tha fact she and Mo are together.

Patti Mort Jun 09, 2020

Dental Hygienist

I had the pleasure of taking care of Mo and Pegi's dental care for 15 years. They both were always smiling and I loved seeing what fun socks Pegi would be wearing! They always told stories about their dog (s) and asked about my dog and shared stories that reflected their love for family. They are truly a testament to friendship and love. I will miss them terribly but feel blessed to have known them.

Virginiay Levin Jul 21, 2020

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I do not take a newspaper so I learned of my dear friends' passings two days ago. I have sent eMails, even a birthday eMail message yesterda and in calling decided they were in cooler climes for the summer. What a shock after fifty plus years of friendship. I know wounds have not healed in your hearts and memories and this late in sending my love and condolences only disturbs any peace or comfort you have gained. In quarantine at John Knox Village.where fortunately we've had no resident cases. Bless you