Glen H. Denison

Glen H. Denison, 78, of Longview passed away Friday, November 29, 2002. Services are scheduled at 2 PM Monday, December 2 at Rader Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Harry Lucenay officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Denison, who was born in Delight, Arkansas, traveled extensively throughout the world as a member of our Armed Forces in World War II and during his business career. He eventually made Longview his home in 1967 as President, and later Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of Axelson, Inc. , a manufacturer of equipment for the oil and gas producing industries. During World War II, Mr. Denison served his country in the U. S. Army in tank destroyer, artillery and infantry units of the Third and Ninth Armies. He took part in five major campaigns beginning with the Battle of Normandy followed by action in Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe for which he earned five Bronze Campaign Medals. While serving in the Third Army under General Patton, his unit was one of the first to arrive in Bastogne to lift the siege of the surrounded Americans in the Battle of the Bulge. For "acts of heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy" he was awarded the Bronze Star. Later "for gallantry in action" he received the Silver Star. After the battle for Metz, France, he was personally invited to meet General Patton for the action he had taken to eliminate the enemy. Following the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Denison was transferred to the Ninth Army and was with the leading elements crossing the River Elbe and driving deep into Germany before being pulled back to the line set by agreement among the Allies. Mr. Denison joined Axelson, a division of U. S. Industries, Inc. in 1951 as a Sales Engineer leading to a colorful, challenging and rewarding association with the company. His penchant for hard work and perfection produced top performance from everyone associated with him. This distinction led to assignments and tasks deemed impossible by lesser peers and his 41 years at Axelson were testimony to his success. During his business career, he oversaw th progress of over 50 USI companies and held such positions of high responsibility as Chairman of a corporate group and Senior Vice President of USI. Later, when Hanson Industries took over USI, he went on to play a key role as Senior Vice President of that global corporation while continuing to serve as President and then Chief Executive Officer of Axelson until his retirement in 1992. Mr. Denison was an active Mason for over 40 years. He progressed through the Dallas Scottish Rite and was a member of the Shriner Sharon Temple. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Longview. Mr. Denison, a staunch supporter and champion of the campaign against cancer, was actively involved with the local Cancer Society drive, known at first as "Santa Fe Under the Stars" and which came to be known as the "Cattle Baron's Ball". Mr. Denison's legacy of success, drive and fortitude have strengthened his surviving wife Mary and three children Nancy, Linda and Gene as well as his ten grandchildren. He loved life and lived it intensely. The family asks that memorials be made to the Greater Hospice of Texas, 814 Gilmer Road, Longview, Texas 75604

Glen H. Denison

April 14, 1924 - November 29, 2002