Crash test pioneer Robert Denton and wife die in plane crash

Robert “Bob” and Sandra Denton met and died doing what they loved. e couple’s story began more than 50 years ago at a Wayne State University aviation club meeting. It tragically ended in a plane crash in Georgia on April 26.

Bob, 76, and Sandra, 75, will be remembered most prominently for Humanetics Innovations Solutions Inc., which was founded by Bob Denton and developed into an automotive crash test dummy juggernaut.

In addition to Bob’s business savvy and Sandra’s knack for molding young minds as a Detroit Public Schools teacher, the pair will be cherished for their commitment to their kids and community, their son Jonathan said.

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Single copy purchases, publication information, or membership inquiries: (877) 824-9374 or customerservice@crainsdetroit.com where mom and dad had a signicant positive impact,” he said. “Hearing those people share their re ections on their lives in their own words is really tremendous. It’s just an incredible legacy that they have crafted.” e couple, both licensed pilots, split their time between homes in Williamsburg and Clare in Michigan and e Villages, Fla., where they lived in the winter. e crash occurred as they were making their way back to Michigan.

A celebration of life and visitation is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. on May 8 at the Community House in Birmingham, 380 S. Bates St. A funeral service will take place in Traverse City at Christ the King Catholic Church later in May, with details still to be conrmed.

Reprints: Laura Picariello (732) 723-0569 or lpicariello@crain.com

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