Danny Ross Hazelrigg

Danny Ross Hazelrigg, age 75, of San Antonio, TX, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved with all his heart. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, soldier, mentor, and friend, he lived a life defined by courage, compassion, service, and an unwaveringly positive spirit.

Born on October 25, 1950, in Inglewood, CA, he grew up with a strong sense of purpose and a desire to serve. In high school, he was a proud drum major and an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. He dreamed of becoming a pilot, and while life took him down a different path, aviation remained central to who he was.

He spent more than 28 years in the United States Army, building a career rooted in service, skill, and a deep love for aviation. Though he never became the pilot he dreamed of being, he dedicated his life to keeping others safely in the air. He worked on nearly every helicopter the Army flew -from early Bell and Sikorsky models to the Apache and Chinook - and took special pride in his work on the Aquila drone program in the early 1980s. His soldiers and leaders trusted him implicitly; one evaluation described him as “one of the best Chief Warrant Officers I have served with,” a reflection of the steady leadership, humility, and quiet excellence he brought to every mission.

During his decades of service, he deployed to Vietnam, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. No matter where he was sent, he cared first for the people beside him. His military career was marked not only by technical mastery but by courage and devotion to duty. Over the course of his career, he consistently demonstrated heroism and valor, for which he was awarded many recognitions On April 7, 1972, during combat operations in Vietnam, he performed acts of heroism that earned him the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism with “V” Device, one of many recognitions of valor, achievement, and exemplary service he received throughout his long and distinguished career. His commendations and campaign medals speak to a soldier whose sense of duty never wavered, but those who knew him would say his true distinction was the way he protected and uplifted others.

He married the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Young, on April 20, 1973, beginning a 52-year partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and steadfast commitment. More than anything, he wanted to be a father. When faced with challenges growing their family, he took courageous and selfless steps to make it possible. Together, they raised three children, Jessica, Sara, and Scott, who were his greatest joy. He taught his children what it means to be a good human being, a good leader, and a good citizen of the world. He believed deeply in the inherent worth of every person and instilled in his family the values of kindness, selfless service, loyalty, critical thinking, and a responsibility to help others.

He cared for his soldiers like family, giving up holiday meals at home to serve food in the mess hall so no one would spend those days alone. If someone needed a place to stay, he opened his home without hesitation. He gave selflessly to friends in need. He was also a proud Cub Scout leader, guiding young people with warmth, humor, and the quiet strength that defined his life.

Above all, he was a man who chose joy. He carried a positive outlook throughout his life, always telling jokes, lifting spirits, and finding a reason to smile. Even in the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease, when most would have been overcome by the weight of the illness, he continued to offer kindness and humor to those around him, still trying to make people laugh, still reaching for the bright side, still giving love. That light never dimmed.

Outside of service, he adored his dogs, Texy and Lacie, and cats, Jelly Bean, Kylie, and Sunnee, and delighted in feeding the “critters” that wandered into the yard - simple, happy routines that reflected his gentle and generous nature.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children Jessica (Xavier) Jimenez, Sara Hazelrigg, and Scott (Celeste) Hazelrigg; 5 grandchildren; his sister, Rosa (Christopher) Oestreich; and his dear friends Rebecca and Ernest Cannon. He is preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Lydia Hazelrigg, and his brother David Hazelrigg.

A private viewing will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Because he loved aviation, and because the words spoke to his soul, his family shares his favorite poem, “High Flight,” written by John G. Magee on September 3, 1941. These lines capture the wonder, freedom, and reverence he felt for the skies:

“High Flight”

by John G. Magee, Jr.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds,-and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark nor ever eagle flew-

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God