Denny Lee Bebout passed February 1, 2026 at the age of 85. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Follansbee, West Virginia. He graduated from Follansbee HS; achieved his  Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Speech from West Liberty University and a Master's Degree in Criminology from IUP.

His law enforcement career began in 1961 with the Follansbee Police Department. He also worked with the Brooke County Prosecutor's Office as a County Investigator. He retired from WV law enforcement to accept a position with (COTC) in Newark, Ohio as an instructor. Denny loved his jobs in law enforcement. He taught many of the police officers in Licking County and encouraged all to further their education. He was the school commander and developed the Associate Degree Program for Criminal Justice. There are probably so many stories his students could tell. He worked at Granville Police Department and the Licking County Sheriff's Office to remain active in local law enforcement until he retired in 2001.

Denny met his wife, Barb while she attended COTC (there is a story here). She was working as a police officer in Granville and Denny was her relief on the day they got married in Mayor's Court. They were married 40 years.  He was always an avid Steelers fan.

Denny is survived by his wife, Barbara Bebout (Mellars), his only sister, Shirley Klimek (Robert) and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Roe (Larry Miracle), Billie Wince (Mark Phillips), Becky Lohrman (Terry), Brenda Copeland, Beverly Mellars-Craney, Bridgette Keefe (Brian). He also leaves behind 5 children and stepchildren, Melanie Nixon (David), Denny Bebout (Laurie), John Sherburne (Angel), Lisa Atkins (D.J.), Jason Sherburne (Tonya). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rebecca Nixon, Joshua Nixon, Ryan Atkins and Jade Atkins and step grandchildren who he loved so much Tabitha Scully (Dan), Carter Sherburne (Linzey), Brice Sherburne, Hunter Sherburne and Cole Sherburne and 2 great-grandchildren Ronin Koopman and Jane Scully with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Lillian Bebout, father and mother-in-law, Robert and Jean Mellars, brother-in-law, Jeff Craney.

A member of First United Methodist Church in Newark, volunteer for the Midland Theatre, a member of Moose Lodge #499 and FOP Lodge#127.  Denny worked hard his whole life, many times juggling work, college and family.  Never made an enemy, a friend to all and a confident to many.  He was a great husband, protector, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, provider, and a jokester to everyone, he lived a life full of surprises and "DOM" will be missed.

He wanted everyone to remember the good, bad and fun times so in honoring his wishes there will be no service or burial.  Enjoy life as he did with vigor fun, love of all humans and laugh!

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.