Denison Wheeler Miner, Jr., affectionately known as “Denny,” passed away on February 2, 2026, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, at the age of 85. A man of deep faith, enduring curiosity, and unwavering commitment to service, Denny’s wit and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. The family has chosen cremation with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date. Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home has been entrusted by the family to handle the arrangements.
Born on August 10, 1940, in Derby, Connecticut, Denny was the son of Denison Wheeler Miner, Sr., and Mary Augusta Manning Miner. From an early age, he developed a love of history, service, and family values that shaped his life. He attended the University of Connecticut, where he participated in the Army ROTC program and earned his commission as an officer. His military career spanned 25 years and took him around the world, including service in Vietnam, Germany, Japan, and at the Pentagon, as well as numerous posts throughout the United States. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, having exemplified leadership, honor, and dedication to his country.
In early 1970, Denny joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a decision that profoundly influenced the remainder of his life. His faith, grounded in the belief that families can be eternal through the atonement of Jesus Christ, became his compass through life’s triumphs and trials. That same year, on April 24, he married Diann Campbell in Huntsville, Alabama. Together, they raised three daughters, Verlinda, Kimberly, and Heather. Denny later married Elaine Holler Stout on August 13, 1996, in Prince William County, Virginia. Elaine passed away in January 2020, and Denny continued to hold dear to her children and grandchildren, especially Elaine’s daughter, Sarah Carpenter, and her sons, Tony and Alaster.
As a father, Denny was a constant presence for his girls, attending recitals, games, and performances whenever possible. He took great pride in his daughters’ unique strengths and accomplishments. One of his proudest moments was walking his eldest granddaughter, Danielle Charles, down the aisle in 2019.
Denny’s passions included genealogy, tractors, trains, and Rotary International. A dedicated genealogist, he spent decades documenting the Robinson-Manning family lineage. Through Rotary, he lived out the ideal of “Service Above Self,” earning numerous honors, including eight Paul Harris Fellow awards. His enthusiasm for tractors and trains reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. Those who knew Denny remember him as charismatic, curious, and generous.
Denny is survived by his daughters, Verlinda Miner, Heather Rundquist, and Kimberly Jordan; his siblings, Grace Wettemann and Alden Miner; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim Miner, and his beloved wife Elaine.
He would have smiled, knowing he passed on Groundhog Day—a final, fitting nod to his humor and appreciation for life’s small ironies.
