Dwight Denison
Funeral Time: Saturday, March 18th at 10:00AM
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dwight Val Denison, who departed peacefully at his home in Lexington, Kentucky on March 8, 2023, after a 13-year battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Dwight was born to Calvin R Denison and Alys Allen Denison on July 22, 1967, in Gunnison, Utah. He was the third son in a family of five boys. He grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1985, where he excelled academically and was an active member of the National Honor Society. He participated in choir and Madrigals, was a Boys State delegate and received the Eagle Scout Award. Dwight attended Rick’s College for a year, after which he served a two year church mission in Washington, DC. He then attended Brigham Young University, where he met and married his loving wife of 33 years, Julie Ann Deppong. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and a Master of Public Administration. He went on to receive a PhD from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky.

Dwight’s professional career spanned over twenty years, during which he made significant contributions to the field of public budgeting and financial management. He began his career and received tenure at the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University. He then made the move to the Martin School at the University of Kentucky, where he received full professorship. Dwight was highly respected and admired by his colleagues and students alike. Affectionately referred to as “Dr. D”, he was known for his genuine care for others and their success, his sharp wit and dry sense of humor, as well as his teaching and research abilities. He was nominated for and received a University of Kentucky Great Teacher Award - an award usually granted to undergraduate teachers only.

Dwight was an exceptional and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. A person who always saw the best in others, he was known for his warm smile, support and encouragement. Many benefited from his quiet wisdom and also laughed at his corny jokes. In addition to being an active member of his church community, where he served in various leadership capacities, he also enjoyed woodworking, hiking and watching UK sports.

Dwight is survived by his wife Julie, his children Spencer (Whitney), Henry (Cassidy) and Abigail. He is also survived by his parents of Brigham City, UT and brothers Jeffrey of Carson City, NV, Allen (Amy) of Visalia, CA, Tyler (Angela) of Gilbert, AZ, Tracy (Wendy) of Silver Spring, MD, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness and faith.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17th from 5-8 pm at Kerr Brothers 3421 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, KY. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18th at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1789 Tates Creek Road. Interment at The Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Dr. Dwight Denison Scholarship Fund. Please have gifts made payable to the University of Kentucky and mailed to UK Philanthropy PO Box 23552 Lexington KY 40523.