Eugene Danley Jr.

Gene was born August 23, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois, to Mildred Irene Smith and Eugene Howard Danley, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Wendy Davis (Dean) of Salt Lake City, UT, Julie Bowers (Gary) of Peoria, Joleen Crumpton (Chad) of Bryant, AR, Sarah Danley of Washington, D.C., Collette McClure (Brandon) of Lone Oak, TX, and Adam Danley of Hot Springs; sisters Judy Cleveland (Harold), Donna Waldrop (Lonnie), Sue Boleyn; brother Bill Danley (Patsy); Gene had 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clinton Danley, Larry Winchell, Danny Winchell; and sister Janine Tyson.

Gene and Kathy recently celebrated 39 years of marriage. His love for his wife was intense and unwavering even into his final days. He loved his children tremendously and will be remembered for being an important influence in their lives. His grandchildren are his legacy and heart, and he loved them very much.

Gene was raised in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended Peoria Manual High School. He enlisted in the Navy in October 1964, was trained as an Aviation Electronics Technician, and worked on naval airplanes. He was a Vietnam veteran and traveled the globe during the 15 years he served in the Navy.

Gene spent much of his adult life in the insurance business and was a natural salesman. His joyful personality charmed everyone around him. He loved to go fishing, could deal a mean hand of Pinochle, liked to dance, and could sing along to every Elvis song. He made friends wherever he went and brought a smile to everyone he encountered. His many friends and family will miss his lively spirit and creative stories as well as his rye sense of humor.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, where Gene was an active parishioner and former president of the Wiser Bunch. Cremation is under the direction of Gross Funeral Home. A military burial will occur at a future date. Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the loving caregivers at the Courtyard Gardens in Arkadelphia who treated him like family and with kindness, care, and dignity during his stay there with a home-like atmosphere. They helped prolong his life and gave him joy during his time there, and for this love, the family will be eternally grateful.

During his battle with dementia, Gene loved attending the Caring Place in Hot Springs, which provides a safe, happy, and activity-filled environment for dementia patients during the day. Gene’s family will be ever thankful for the staff and volunteers who treated him with the utmost respect, love, and care. He radiated joy each time he went and danced with everyone and became known as “Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine.” Gene’s family is convinced that his experience at the Caring Place greatly increased the quality and happiness of his final years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Caring Place,101 Quapaw Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, http://www.thecaringplacehotsprings.com/.