Rev. Allen Robert "Bob" Denton, Phd

Rev. Allen Robert “Bob” Denton, PhD, 80, died September 14th, 2024, after a long illness. Bob was born in Akron, OH to Rev. Bill Denton and Phyllis May Hamilton. He was a graduate of Buchtel High School, Asbury College, Wheaton College and Case Western Reserve University.  He was a co-founder of Summit County’s Victim Assistance Program, and Founding President of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). He served on the Ohio Attorney General’s Victim Assistance Board and National Crisis Team.

Bob graduated from the Police Academy in 1970 and was a sworn reserve officer. He also served as Chaplain to the Akron Police Department since 1970 and Akron Fire Department. He constructed the victim curriculum utilized by departments throughout Ohio and instructed countless officers and deputies.

In 2012, Bob began the Safety Forces Chaplaincy Center, offering counseling and support to first responders throughout the county and beyond. Since 1972, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Akron.  Bob had many professional accomplishments, but let’s remember him as the man that touched  so many lives. From crime victims to safety forces members, he was by their side offeringprayers, guidance, a shoulder to cry on, and plans to heal. He offered love and peace to all that  he met. If you were one of those that was touched by his strength and support, remember to pass on his kindness.

Bob spent a lifetime learning and mastering watercolor and oil painting, the trumpet, trombone and fluegelhorn; attempted the banjo; loved genealogy; played the organ beautifully and was beginning bagpipe lessons when he became ill. He had a vast knowledge of English history, the Bible, C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Swing music.

Bob was preceded in death by siblings, Thomas, Ronald, Kenneth, and Violet. He is survived by his wife, Marian (Billman) Denton; daughters, Wendy, Alana and Charlotte; grandson, William, and sister, Donnell. Also surviving are the hundreds of officers he considered brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. Since his illness, we were surrounded by your love and support. You were all so precious to him.

Donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Victim Assistance Program, 137 S. Main St. #300, Akron OH 44308,( https://victimassistanceprogram.org ) The Safety Forces Support Center, 501 W. Market St., Akron OH 44303,( https://safetyforcescenter.org ) The FOP Lodge 7 Scholarship Fund, 2610 Ley Dr., Akron OH 44319,( https://fop.net ) or The Furnace Street Mission,150 Furnace St., Akron OH 44304.

Calling hours will be THURSDAY, September 26th, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333. Celebration of life will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St, Akron, OH 44313 on FRIDAY, September 27th, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.