On June 12, surrounded by his loving family, Joel “Joey” Duane Denton, 64, lifted his final weight on this Earth as he passed on to become a powerhouse in Heaven.

      Joey was born June 3, 1960, in Flora, the son of Joe and Vera (Brown) Denton.  As soon as he opened his beautiful blue eyes, he began his love affair with speed and adventure.  Whether racing the wind on his Harley Davidson or enjoying one of the many hotrods he had owned throughout his lifetime, he lived life fiercely.  With his wide smile as bright as the chrome on his bike, his need for speed was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends who will deeply miss his one-of-a-kind stories, exceptional character, and infectious laughter.

      Joey was a pillar of strength and inspiration in the powerlifting community.  His unwavering dedication to his craft and his courageous spirit inspired countless individuals to push beyond their limits and find some solace in the “iron.”  His impressive feats in squat, bench, and deadlift were a testament to his unyielding spirit and his ability to lift up others.  He was very proud to be a 3-time National Powerlifting Champion and was voted Athlete of the Year in Dallas, Texas.  Joey’s legacy extends far beyond his phenomenal lifts, as he was a shining example of what it means to live a life of passion.  As Joey enters the gates of Heaven, we take comfort in knowing he continues to lift spirits and inspire souls.  His strength and power will never be forgotten, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

      Memories of his childhood spent swimming at Poppy’s Bluff and roaming the countryside on his motorcycle will forever be in our hearts.  Joey was an excellent pool player, an amazingly talented poet, and excelled at most everything he did.  He was a bit of a perfectionist who kept his home, yard, and cars immaculate, but above all he deeply cared for his beautiful wife, Holly.  They were married on October 12, 2016, and they have shared so much love in those few short years.   

      Joey was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved making memories with each one.  When the only grand “boy” came along, he was very honored to have a namesake.

      He is survived by his wife: Holly Denton; children: Rachel (Shane) Walker and Benjamin Denton, both of Flora; stepchildren: Joseph Haun and family of Jerseyville and Aaron McCaherty and family of Clay City; grandchildren: Kamry Austin, Dani Denton, Eli Joel Walker, and Harper Denton; sisters: Tammy (Kevin) Foster of Olney, and Kelly Denton of Effingham; mother and father-in-law: William E. and Mayme Matthis Sr. of Godfrey; brothers and sisters-in-law: William E. (Charlotte) Matthis Jr. and family of Grafton, Gina (Steve) Scott and family of East Alton, David Ashmore of Alabama, Ryan (Angelique) Hicks and family of Columbia, and Heidi (Pete) Graves and family of Godfrey; an aunt: Dixie Young of Xenia; an uncle Larry Workman of Flora; special extended family: Stevi and Josh Brinkley and family and Smitty and Mable Smith; and many cousins and friends.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew: Schyler Monical; mother-in-law: Bonita Johnston; and his beloved uncle: Henry Brown.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Powers Cemetery, Xenia.  A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice or Beyond the Walls, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com