Claude Denson passed away Monday, June 17, 2013 at Quail Hollow, Richland, WA, after a long illness. Claude was born November 8, 1929 in Pampa, TX, the son of Mark Burdett Denson and Elsie Helen Flishacker. Claude attended grade school in Pampa, TX, middle school in Gardina, CA and high school in Sunnyside, WA, graduating in 1947. Claude married his high school sweetheart Oneta Burlison on August 13, 1949. On February 22, 1959, their only child Mark David Denson was born and was the light of Claude's life. They enjoyed many activities together: hunting, water skiing, go-carts, motorcycle ventures and much more. Claude built Mark's first guitar from a Heath Kit which led to Mark's love of music and playing in several local bands. In 1948, Claude began his engineering career as a draftsman for J.A. Terteling & Sons. In 1949, he went to work for General Electric.
Claude was always ambitious and with encouragement from his father he obtained his Real Estate Broker's License in 1952, becoming the youngest person to pass and receive their Broker's License in Washington State. From 1957 to 1963, Claude designed over 100 homes that were built throughout the Tri-Cities. When the economy slowed down, Claude resumed his engineering career in 1963 with Vitro Engineers. He later transferred to Kaiser Engineers and retired in 1994 as a Project Manager. Claude also served in the U.S.N.R. from 1951 to 1957. Claude belonged to several organizations during his life. The most memorable were the CUP Church and The Instrument Society of America, where he served as Vice President in 1973. Claude was a member of the Real Estate Board and served as a precinct committee person. One of Claude's greatest personal achievements was when he received his private pilot's license in 1966. Claude loved airplanes and dreamed of flying since early childhood. Claude always set high goals and worked hard going through the ranks to achieve the Project Management position with Kaiser Engineers. During Claude's lifetime he enjoyed numerous hobbies. He was a master craftsman, building HO gage trains, airplane models and making beautiful woodwork pieces. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He played golf, bowled, motorcycling and his first love, flying.
Claude was able to enjoy traveling the Western states in their motorhome after his retirement for several years until his health began to diminish. He also was the extremely proud owner of his silver Mazda RX-8. Claude deeply loved his family and did all in his power to make them happy and see that they were well cared for. Our thanks and love to you Claude for your never ending thoughtfulness. We all love and will deeply miss you. Claude is survived by his spouse of 64 years, Oneta B. Denson; his son, Mark David Denson; granddaughter, Jennifer Lea Harris and husband, Joe Harris; brothers, Dick Denson and partner, Jim Webber, Don Denson and wife, Beckey and numerous nieces and nephews. Claude was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Helen Flishacker, father, Mark Burdett Denson and older brother, William "Bill" Denson. The family would like to give special thanks to Sandra Soulek, PA-C, Dr. Deo, Kadlec Hospital, Hospice Caregivers, Katrina, Coleen, Chaplain Craig and the caregivers and staff at Quail Hollow. A celebration of Claude's life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 11:30 AM, with a light lunch being served afterwards, both at Memories at Sunset Event Center, 915 By Pass Hwy, Richland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler St, Richland, WA 99352 or a charity of your choice.