Gilbert John Dentel

WWII vet, active church member, professional clown. Gilbert John Dentel, 82, of Washington, died Wednesday, October 15, 2008, in his home. He was born October 11, 1926, in Brownsville, a son of Gilbert John and Jessie Mae Bennett Dentel. Mr. Dentel attended Washington High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a squad leader. While serving in Japan, he supervised enlisted men in various occupational duties assigned to rifle company, including guarding the warehouse, motor pools and other military installations. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon and Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). Mr. Dentel worked as an electrical tester at McGraw Edison/Cooper Transformer for more than 40 years. He was a member of North Buffalo Presbyterian Church and served as deacon and elder. Mr. Dentel was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Over the years, he and his wife, Lillian, mentored and provided care to many local children. He was a member of American Legion and North Buffalo Grange. Mr. Dentel was very proud to have played semi-professional football, as well as becoming a professional clown, known as "Who" for the last 17 years. On August 8, 1975, he married Lillian Korte, who survives. Also surviving are daughters Sherry (Buddy) Jeffers of Houston, Connie (Dan) Lyle of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Lillian (William) Manfredi of Washington; a son, William Leroy (Diane) Burnette of Surprise, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Brian and Tamra Jeffers, Derek and Katie Ruth Lyle, Joshua and Eric Mounts and Aaron and Shawn Burnette; and a great-grandchild, Kamden Jacob Jeffers. Deceased are two sisters, Ruthann Weimer and Gertrude Livingston. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of services, Saturday, October 18, in First United Presbyterian Church, Houston, with the Rev. Clarejean Haury officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Full military rites will be accorded graveside. Memorial donation may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, 3550 North Central Avenue, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2127.