Elmer William Denbow, 88, went home to be with the lord on December 15, 2006 while surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 13, 1918 in New Straitsville, Ohio to William Forrest and Pinkie Belle Smith Denbow. He served in the US Navy during WWII; was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bay City for 63 years; was a member of the board for Tidehaven ISD for a number of years and a member of the Methodist Church in Markham for over 60 years. Family togetherness was very important to him. He shared his love of hunting and fishing with his children, their spouses and the grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Edythe Carter & brothers Herman "Pete" Denbow & Harold Denbow. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Wanda Davis Denbow of Bay City; daughters Lynda Eloise Bible of Richmond, Susan Elaine Vavra & husband Edward, Jr. of Palacios, and Rhonda Edythe Porter & husband Jim of Katy; brother Francis H. Denbow & wife Bertha of Ganado; grandchildren Forrest & Irene Bible, Lara & Dennis Masson, John & Stacei Bible, Matt & Shawn Bible, Amy & Russell Orsak, Jamie & Josh Willis, Jimmy & Shelley Porter, Alyson Vavra, Bryan Vavra, & Will Porter; great grandchildren Meagan Bible, Fletcher Masson, Kodie Bible, Kolby Orsak, Kade Orsak, & Kara Orsak.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 29, 2006 at the Methodist Church in Markham. Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice of El Campo; 1102 N. Mechanic; El Campo, TX 77437 or to the Legacy; 700 12th St.; Bay City, TX 77414. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.