Denver James Klaassen passed away on November 18, 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on September 26, 1935 in Corn, Oklahoma to Frank and Augusta (Krewall) Klaassen. Throughout his life, he was best known for striving to inspire others, constantly encouraging his friends, family members and work associates. Gracious and polite, Denver always showed genuine interest in others and was a loyal friend to many. Denver grew up on a farm in western Oklahoma, north of Corn, where he worked as a hired hand for neighbors and relatives, driving tractor, pulling cotton, harvesting wheat and other farm duties. This dedication to hard work continued throughout his life and career. A graduate of Corn High School, Denver received his bachelor of science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and his master of education from Wichita State University. He was granted an honorary doctorate of business administration from Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Missouri. His illustrious career began as principal of Heritage High School in Anaheim, California before moving into the life insurance industry. He started as an agent for Manufacturers Life Insurance Company in Orange County, California and was promoted to manager after just two years. Denver was asked to head the Oklahoma City branch, so he moved his family to Oklahoma where he lived for the rest of his life. Denver subsequently managed his own independent life insurance and associated products practice in Oklahoma City, helping individuals and institutions with their financial and estate-planning needs. He frequently spoke on the topic of financial planning, hosting a popular local radio program, "Inside Information," for 26 years. When people saw him in public, they frequently expressed their appreciation to him for making their retirement comfortable by saying, for example, "You made our retirement so good, Denver." Distinguished by outstanding performance and service to his financial advisory clients, he received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. Denver was recognized as a member of the Court of the Table of the Million Dollar Round Table, an award reserved for the top one-half of one percent of the best life insurance and financial services professionals worldwide. He received the J. Hawley Wilson Award, given to the outstanding life insurance professional in the State of Oklahoma and was named Agent of the Year in 1996 by the Oklahoma City Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He was one of the founders and past president of the Oklahoma City Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Foundation. He served as president of the General Agents and Managers Association and the Oklahoma City Chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. Denver passionately served others throughout his life, dedicating time and effort to community and charitable causes. He served as president of the Zinngrabe Charitable Foundation in Orange County. As a strong Christian and former athlete, he treasured helping young men and women, serving as longtime chairman of the board of directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was on the Baptist Medical Center Foundation board, where he chaired the Planned Giving Council. Denver was committed to Metropolitan Baptist Church at multiple levels - as a trustee, Sunday School superintendent, elder and deacon. He assisted the church with its financial health and initiated plans for retirement benefits offered to church staff. In addition, Denver served as a Gideon for many years. Denver and June enjoyed traveling, often visiting their children and grandchildren. They loved worldwide travel, going to China and numerous times to Europe. Denver was especially fond of Ireland, which he described as the "greenest green you've ever seen." He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Orville and Roy Klaassen, and sister, Bea Owen. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Pearl June; daughters, Kerry Veale, Huntington Beach, California, Leslie Farrington and husband Steven, Auburn, Alabama; 5 grandchildren, Rachel and Jay Veale, James, Dyma and Sasha Farrington; sister, Mary Leppke; and brother, Bob Klaassen. Viewing will be Friday, 10am-9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Services to celebrate his life will be Saturday, November 22, 1:00pm at Metropolitan Baptist Church with interment to follow in Mennonite Brethren Cemetery, Corn, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon's International (www.gideons.org/sendtheword). Funeral Service Saturday, November 22, 2014 01:00 PM Metropolitan Baptist Church 7201 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73162