United States of America
U.S. Air Force · United States 
Thomas Jay Deniston
1990
Thomas Jay Deniston served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Thomas served in the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Conservation Officer Thomas Deniston was killed in an aircraft accident at Smith Field near State Road 3 and Interstate 69 in Allen County. Conservation Officer Deniston was traveling in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane became engulfed in flames upon impact and was nearly completely destroyed. The pilot who was a dispatcher, and a jail officer, both of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department and off duty were also killed in the crash. Conservation Officer Deniston was investigating deer being hunted illegally and had planned on photographing duck blinds and possible waterfowl bating. Conservation Officer Deniston had served with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for two years and was a US Air Force veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sisters, two brothers and parents.
Keepsakes
Service Record
Also Served
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Conservation Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqq5xwqste9z8s3cz28h
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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