Malcolm “Drew” Denton, age 70, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Towson, Maryland, following a valiant 10-month battle with aggressive melanoma. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Malcolm Gregory Denton and Miriam Adele (Keys) Denton.

Drew lived his life with a deep curiosity and an enduring desire to learn, teach, and share his knowledge with others. His philosophy was reflected in the words attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

A graduate of Georgia Tech, Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and went on to enjoy a distinguished 32-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration before retiring. Throughout his life and career, he was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to mentor others. He possessed a lifelong love of science and engineering and was endlessly fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.

A man of many talents and interests, Drew restored houses in both Atlanta and Baltimore and had a passion for gardening, beekeeping, and pollinator gardening. Stewardship of the land was especially important to him. At Lost Acre Farm, he planted hundreds of trees and devoted himself to caring for the property and the natural world around him. Many also knew Drew as the friendly face at the HIVE shop at Lost Acre Farm.

Drew enjoyed sharing the fruits of farm life with others. Friends and family were often treated to his smoked paprika, which he made from peppers grown on the farm that he carefully dried and smoked before generously giving it away.

Music was another great love in Drew’s life. He especially enjoyed the Grateful Dead, playing his Paul Reed Smith guitar, and bringing people together through music. One of his favorite traditions was hosting the annual Barn Jam at the farm, a gathering of musicians, friends, and family who came together to share their love of music.

Drew was also a devoted dog lover and will be remembered as a kind and generous man whose lifetime of learning, mentoring, creating, and caring for the world around him touched many lives.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Jane Frances Kuhl; his brother, Geoffrey “Geoff” Denton and his wife, Bonnie, of Jarrettsville; as well as many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Drew was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm Gregory Denton and Miriam Adele (Keys) Denton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association of Maryland. Contributions may be sent to Lynn Breiner, 1121 Heaps Road, Street, MD 21154, or made online through the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association of Maryland.