John Lambert Denby

 

John Lambert Denby, 89, passed comfortably at home on Jan. 31.

John was born July 1933, in Carlinville, the son of Don Burke Denby and Vaughty Hale Denby,

He was educated in Carlinville public schools, the Taft School, Yale University, Duke University Medical School, Ohio State University Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Baylor University, Methodist Hospital, Fellow of American College of Surgeons.

He started his surgical practice in Springfield in 1965. From 1967-1969 he served as a Commander, U.S. Navy Medical Corps, and became the world’s last battleship surgeon aboard the USS New Jersey BB62 Vietnam Campaign. His surgical career spanned 35 years as attending staff at Memorial Hospital, St. John’s Hospital, and Abraham Lincoln Hospital.  He was a Clinical Professor of Surgery and founding clinical faculty of SIU Medical School 1970-2000 and President of Staff at Memorial Medical Center.  He was a member of various medical and surgical societies, Island Bay Yacht Club, US Polo Association, Angus Cattle Breeders, and Illinois Farm Bureau.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane Colclesser Denby of Erie, PA.; sons John Peter Denby (Susan), Wade Denby (Stephanie), Michael Denby (Cara); 11 grandkids, and four great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his brothers, Don Burke “Pete” Denby, Jr., and David Hale Denby.

He will be buried in the family plot at Mayfield Cemetery, Heinz Funeral Home, Carlinville.

Direct all memorials or donations to Memorial Medical Center in furtherance of medical education.