Donny Ott Denner

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Donny Ott Denner on October 13, 2026. Born on April 5, 1937, in Eureka, Kansas, Donny was the oldest son of Otto Albert and Nina Christine Denner. He was known to many as "Joe Pete" during his childhood and was remembered for often answering the phone with his signature phrase, "This is Big D from Tennessee."

He was husband to Sharon and father to his two daughters, JoLynn (Jody) McGill and DeeAnn (Dee) Martinez. He is sadly leaving behind seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, three brothers Terry and Delbert Denner of Colorado, and Roger Denner of Eureka, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Nina Denner.

Donny's career was marked by his many years of service with Safeway, where he worked as a manager and later as a troubleshooter, helping other struggling Safeway stores return to profitability. He retired from working at Hutchinson JUCO.

He was a great provider who worked long hours, no time for any hobbies. There are great memories of family vacations, and he always looked forward to playing with his grandkids. One fun memory involves having to explain to the neighbors why he was laying on the ground, that he was okay, but that his role as an Indian had resulted in him being "shot" by the cowboy grandkids.

Donny was a big Kansas City Chiefs fan, and loved to tell about his high school basketball team's winning records at Tonovay High School, and the fact if it not for a car accident and injury, he would have played alongside the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. He had played with Wilt in a "try out" situation and had been chosen. He ran into Wilt Chamberlain several years later in Las Vegas, and Wilt actually remembered him, and said he was sorry that Donny had been injured and wasn't able to be part of his team.

In recent years he faced the challenges of dementia, which gradually took him from his family in mind. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care during his final days. He will be deeply missed. In keeping with Donny's wishes, there will be no public viewing or service at this time.