Denny Ray Dardeen, 68, of Harrisburg, Illinois passed away on 06/22/2025 at 7:20 p.m. at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana after a short illness surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Denny was born to Virgil and Dorothy (Shemwell) Dardeen on October 30, 1956 in Harrisburg, Illinois. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother in-law Joe McGuire, his sister in-law Iris Dardeen, his nephew Chad McGuire, his two children born into heaven Lukas Dardeen and Jordan Dardeen, and his step-son Kent Ashley.

Denny is survived by his loving fiancé Debbie Ashley, his daughter Amanda Stanford (Bryan Mattingly) and his sons Matthew Dardeen (Emily Hopson-Dardeen) and Joshua Dardeen (Robert Rodriguez). He is survived by his siblings Pam McGuire of Marshall, Illinois; Phillip Dardeen of Marshall, Illinois; David Dardeen (Ronda Dardeen) of West Terre Haute, Indiana and Bill Dardeen of Terre Haute, Indiana. He is survived by his grandchildren Blake Stanford, Kinsley Stanford, Preslie Dardeen, Jonathan Dardeen, Madelyn Dardeen, and Myles Mattingly. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Denny spent many years of his life working on the railroad as a bridge inspector and later started Darcon as a railroad contractor. He also worked for GE for 12 years. Denny had a great love for sports, especially baseball and basketball. He had a great love for playing softball participating in and winning many tournaments. He was voted as the greatest 3rd basemen in Marshall, Illinois softball history. He had a great love for his favorite baseball team the St. Louis Cardinals. He spent many years also building different Wiffle Ball fields and playing as many people as possible over the years. Denny also had a passion for music and movies. His favorite musician was Elvis Presley and his favorite actor was John Wayne. He befriended late actor Clint Walker late in life after writing and recording a song about the character Cheyenne. He loved the tv series Gunsmoke. He wrote many songs and created Little Muddy Records. Denny had a passion project to make a movie. He created D’Ardenne’ Entertainment, LLC. He wrote, directed, composed and produced the film Letters Home. When the film premieres please come out and support it.

Denny made many friends over the years and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He never met a stranger. His family asks that everyone wear Cardinals attire or red if possible but please dress comfortably. DYNOMITE.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 24th at the Watson Funeral Home of Eldorado, IL with Pastor Tim Duke officiating. Burial will be in the Linden Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 AM until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be directed to the Watson Funeral Home of Eldorado, IL.