In Memory: John Denison, Sr.

USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of John Denison, Sr., who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on November 30. He was 86.

John lived all his life on the Denison’s multi-generation family farm in Iowa, Louisiana. He graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute with a degree in animal husbandry.

Known as a selfless leader, John was dedicated to serving others especially in the areas of education and agriculture. A life-long member of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, he served on the State Executive Committee, and chaired the Rice Advisory Board and the Louisiana State University Rice Research Board.

Philip Lamartiniere, recently named Louisiana’s Rice Farmer of the Year, said “Mr. John and Miss Linda [Zaunbrecher, who died on November 21] were two people I had deep respect for. Their passing is a tremendous loss for the rice industry in such a short time.” Acadia Parish rice farmer Jackie Loewer said, “Maybe it's a good thing Miss Linda went first so she could warn St. Peter who was coming!”

John served the rice industry on a national level as chair of USA Rice from 1998 to 2000. He also chaired the USA Rice Farmers and The Rice Foundation, an organization that promotes research, education, and leadership for all segments of the U.S. rice industry.

“I grew up around the Denisons and spent almost as much time at their house as I did my own,” said Kane Webb, USA Rice director of field services. “I worked for Mr. Johnny through college and learned lessons every day on policy and politics. He often said when you weren’t sure which side to be on, be on the side that benefits everyone. He was always thinking ahead, looking for solutions to the next obstacle that most of us hadn’t yet considered. And that’s the most important lesson everyone learned that hung around the Denison place: don’t park behind Mr. Johnny because he was always looking ahead, even when he got in his truck to leave!”

Visitation is scheduled for 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, at Iowa United Methodist Church, and will resume on Monday in the church from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral begins at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Iowa First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Kinney Avenue, Iowa, Louisiana, 70647.