Danny G. Lara entered into eternal rest on May 1, 2022, at the age of 75. Born in Thrall, TX to the late David and Aurora Lara; he is also reunited with his siblings: Eliseo Lara, Paul Lara, Ysidra Olivarez, Martha De La Rosa, Juana Betz, David Lara, and Esteban Lara.
Danny graduated from Frenship High School in 1965. He continued his education at Texas Tech University, graduating in 1973. He also received his Masters in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake in 1981. He worked for the V.A. helping veterans, specializing in helping those with PTSD, and created the first PTSD support group in West Texas. In 2006 he retired after serving over 29 years with the V.A.
Danny was respected and loved by many that he worked with. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was a recipient of many medals and commendations for his services such as: the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal Marksman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, and Good Conduct Medal.
Danny dedicated his life to always helping veterans and their families. In 1979, he received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Community Achievement of a Vietnam Veteran by then President, Jimmy Carter. In 1982, he received the Secretary of the Veterans' Administration's Hands and Hearts award. He was named the Outstanding Handicap Federal Employee of the Year in 1984, by then President, Ronald Reagan. In 2015, Danny received the Distinguished Alumni Award for "the one who makes a difference" from the Frenship class of 1965. In 2016, he received the Adelante award for the Military/Veteran of the Year from Los Hermanos Familia; and he also received the Patriot of the Year, from the Chapter 0900 Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Danny loved his Veterans and being able to support them in many ways. He enjoyed spending time with Veterans in and outside the office, whether it be fishing trips or lunch.
He also had a passion for classic cars and showing his. He was an avid fan of his Texas Tech Football team, and he adored his nieces and nephews, especially taking them on outings and spending time with them. One thing that was undeniable was the love he had for his family, his extended family, and his services to the community and his country.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife of over 32 years, Velma "Cissy" Lara; daughter Rebecca Wyrick and husband, Justin; grandson, Jeremy Garcia; siblings: Esther Gomez; Abigail Ortiz and husband, Rey; Elizabeth Arredondo and husband, Joe; Noe Lara and wife, Diane; Consuelo Lara; honorary brother, Augustine Lara; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and a host of friends.
The family invites you to celebrate his life with a visitation on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 5pm-7pm at the funeral home. Services will continue on Thursday, May 5, 2022, with a 1pm Celebration of Life service in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park with Military honors.
Please visit the online guest book for words of sympathy and shared memories.
