Danny was born in Breckenridge in 1943 and spent his childhood moving between Texas and New Mexico, collecting stories, friendships, and memories along the way. He graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene in 1962 and later earned two degrees from Tarleton State University. For 24 years, he poured his heart into his work at Tarleton as Director of Academic Computing, where he was respected not only for his skill but for his warmth and generosity.
Danny loved life deeply and shared that love with everyone around him. He was happiest on a golf course with friends or coaching his boys, Koeby and Keelan, in Little League Baseball, Soccer, and Little Dribblers. He proudly played in the Gary Wayne Schoen Jr. Golf Tournament for many years and cherished the camaraderie it brought. He also helped launch the Little Dribblers program in Hamilton in 1980, leaving a lasting mark on the community’s youth sports.
He had a special place in his heart for the Hamilton Texas Civic Theatre, where he supported and participated in productions that brought joy and creativity to the community he loved.
Danny’s faith guided him throughout his life. He served as a deacon for 27 years and was always willing to lend his time and talents to church committees, music programs, and the choir he loved singing with.
He gave back in countless ways—through 15 years as a Hamilton Volunteer Fireman, through his service as a Master Mason, and through the simple, everyday kindness he showed to everyone he met.
Music was woven into Danny’s life from the time he was eight years old. Whether he was playing the pipe organ as a teenager, majoring in music in college, or performing with the “Desert” and “Colorado Sunrise” bands later in life, Danny brought joy to every room with his music. If there was a piano nearby, he was playing it—and people were smiling.
Danny leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara; his sons, Koeby (wife Kelli) and Keelan; his grandchildren Kolten, Kaitlin (husband Derek Newsome), Reece, Boston, and Kamryn; his great-grand daughter Rosemary; and his sister Martha. He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Joe Dan and Helen Johnson, and his sister Jennifer.
Danny will be missed more than words can express. His laughter, his music, his steady presence, and his love for his family and community will live on in every life he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church in Hamilton or to a charity close to your heart.
