Robert Denning

(From Knell Mortuary)

Robert Pruit Denning, 87, Carthage, Missouri, passed away July 9, 2021, at Spring River Christian Village, Joplin, Missouri. Robert was born October 4, 1933, in Hollywood, California, the son of Samuel Pruit Denning and Mabel (Whitney) Denning. 

He graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1949. Robert worked as an actor, an epicurean, and a columnist. He attended UCLA in the Class of 1952 prior to joining the Navy, where Robert was known as the singing pilot! 

During his high school and college years he was always seen at Schwabs, mingling with Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, Jimmy Stewart and Judy Garland. After his years in the military, Robert worked as an actor, singer, dancer, insurance manager, nightclub owner, syndicated epicurean columnist, social cruise ship director, hotel and restaurant manager, among other engagements. 

When he was 24, Robert's birth mother died of cancer, and he dearly wished to be with his father Sam "Denny" Denning and stepmother Elona "Lee" Denning in Chicago. When they had a daughter Diane in 1944, he visited every year and spent the summer months at Crystal Lake, MI at the "Cottage" with Lee's family. 

In Santa Cruz, 1958-61, he owned the Coffee Cabaret in Capitola By the Sea. He then met his lifelong partner William (Billy) Strayer, and they were together for nearly 50 years. Between 1962 and 1977, he worked in the corporate world for Occidental Life Insurance in Los Angeles, while also participating in local and regional theater. 

After his father's death in 1967, he arranged a blind date between Lee Denning and Robert Christy in Pasadena, who married and remained together for 28 years. 

From 1978 to 1992, he enjoyed culinary pursuits, writing and travel. He opened Robert Denning's Epicurean shop in Laguna Beach, CA, and worked as the Social Director of the Royal Cruise Lines gathering friends from around the globe. From 1992 to 2007, he operated a number of hotels and restaurants in Palm Springs, CA. 

After Billy's death, he briefly resided in Lake Elsinore, CA, with Billy’s family, prior to moving to Carthage, MO, his favorite place of all. He was welcomed in Carthage and embraced by all his friends in the Grace Episcopal Church family, where he was a member of the choir, the Vestry and performed in numerous original plays.

Robert was a special, gifted conversationalist, public speaker, and storyteller, weaving tales of his exciting, memorable life and of his grandparents Samuel Pruitt Denning and Sarah Henson Denning of Roswell, New Mexico and his colorful siblings.

Survivors include his sister, Diane Miller, of Wallkill, NY; and cousins, Robert Fredrick Bowes, of Grand Rapids, MI, Brian Dean Bowes, of Skokie, Il, and Hallie Walker, and Hallie Elizabeth Baran of Sherman Oaks, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Robert’s wishes, there was cremation. A memorial service will be held 5 pm, Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Grace Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.