A man full of life, love, and laughter, Denman Crain Sr. was born on January 31,1949 in Bogalusa, LA to Delos and Ruthie Crain.

Denman was baptized at an early age and had a relationship with God. He attended 33rd Avenue High School and was a 1967 graduate of Gulfport East in the first integrated graduating class in Gulfport, MS. He continued his studies at Alcorn A &M College until he was drafted into the United States Army.

Denman began his service at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and then went on to serve in the Vietnam War. During his tenure in the Army, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device. He also earned medals for Sharpshooter Rifle (M-14 & M-16)

After serving in Vietnam, Denman was honorably discharged and returned home to Gulfport, MS, where he began a career in construction, mainly driving heavy machinery and trucks.

Denman loved to dance and listen to music, especially jazz and blues. He had a reputation for playing his music loud and gathering with friends to eat good food and have good conversations. You could always count on his friend Thomas McDonald to be sitting front and center in the yard, laughing, looking, and joking.

Denman's love for music extended beyond just listening. He would often spin music in his spare time to make sure the party didn't stop until he was ready. He also loved old-school cars, watching basketball and football, and watching western movies, especially Gunsmoke and The Rifleman.

After a decline in health, Denman moved to Mobile, Alabama, with his oldest daughter and son in love. The love, patience, and compassion he received were undeniable. Although at times he was strong-willed and stubborn, he still maintained a sense of humor. He built a strong bond with his caregiver, Brenda Austin, who was committed to his care and went above and beyond her call of duty. They shared a daily television show routine after bath and breakfast.

Denman is preceded in death by his father and mother; brother, Delos Crain Jr., his sister, Marilyn "Rose" Crain, and brother in love James H Brown.

He is survived by his sister Ella Brown, brothers Johnny Ray ("Dinah "DJ"), John Alvin, Thomas Earl, and Anthony (Eunice) Crain, as well as a bonus brother, Thomas McDonald.

Denman was a dedicated father to his loving daughters Lashawn (Derek) Colston and Ruthie Crain, his former wife Capri Carstafhnur, and their son Denman Crain Jr. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Shareld Nunley, Benjamin Smith Jr., Aliyah Smith, Demond Crain, LaBron Pittman, Joycelyn Crain, Carlos Crain, Kais Crain, and Keylon Crain, as well as four great- grandchildren.

He is also mourned by chosen family members Tomika Irias, Jasmine Johnson, Joseph Carstafhnur, Christopher Carstafhnur, Antonio Colston, Derek S Colston and a special friend, Faye Lewis (Detroit, Michigan).

"But we remember now, in love, your life from start to end, and we're just glad we knew you,
"As Daddy, Pops, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle and Friend."