Robert Danner, 90, of Ralls went to be with his Lord on July 13, 2015 surrounded by family. He was born August 23, 1924 to Ross and Emma Danner near Santo, Texas where Interstate 20 is today. He lived on the Danner farm in Liberty Community when he was a young child, Robert along with his Dad and brother, built a two room house. When he was a child he would help his grandmother take vegetables, fruit, and syrup in to Thurber and the Thurber Brick Yard in a buggy pulled by a horse. His grandmother would drive the buggy up and down the streets of Thurber and Robert would go from door to door selling the goods. Robert has been a resident of Ralls since late 1930's, when he moved to the Owens community from Erath County. His family lived in a tent for three weeks while they were waiting for the Box strip houses with three rooms to be ready near the gin. His dad worked at Owens gin. A couple years later they moved into Ralls and he graduated from Ralls High School in 1941. Then he went in the Eighth Air Force and was stationed in England during WWII. He came back on leave and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kren Watson, of Ralls. Their first home was at the Ralls Hotel. They owned and operated Danner's department store for over 40 years. Robert led the first Rodeo parade in the 1950's and always told the story of his horse laying down in the middle of the street. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Chamber of Commerce, J.C.C.s, Rotary club, and school board member. One of Roberts life highlights was going on the First Honors Flight to Washington D.C. Robert was a deacon at First Baptist Church for approximately 60 years. He delivered Loaves and Fishes (Meals on Wheels) until December 2014. After retirement he spent many hours volunteering work at Plains Baptist Assembly. Robert was a wonderful Dad, and Papaw.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Kren Danner, his parents, Ross and Emma (Walker) Danner, his brother; Joe Danner, and his sister; Sue Cole Fincher.
Robert is survived by three daughters; JoLinda Hutchison and husband John of Spearman, Tretha Caddell and husband James of Ralls, Karla Coffey and husband Carl of Lubbock, one sister; Ruth Stone of Stephenville, one sister-in-law Betty McNeil, seven grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.
Services will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Ralls with Rev. T.J. Messer, Rev. Floyd Haddock, and Rev. Jeff Hutchison officiating. Burial will follow in the Ralls Cemetery under the care of Adams Funeral Home with grandsons serving as pallbearers. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Adams Funeral Home from 6-7 P.M. The family would like to give a special thanks to Crown Point-Ruby House in Lubbock for the great care and special friendships. Online condolences can be made at www.adamsfuneral.com