Danny Lee George, 71, of Oakley, KS, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by many loving family members, at Gove County Medical Center, in Quinter, KS. His friends and family found him to be an exceptional, humble, and hardworking man that will be deeply missed.Danny was born in Quinter, KS, on March 20, 1953, to Frank Alva and Verna (Schroeder) George. He attended Grinnell Grade School through the fourth grade. In 1964, the family moved to the farm north of Oakley and Danny attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the eighth grade before transferring to Oakley High School, where he graduated with the class of 1971.
While in high school, Danny was on the wrestling and cross-country teams, lettering in both sports all three years. He was proud to be part of the state championship cross-country team of 1970-71, which was a first for Oakley High School. The same year, his wrestling team won second place in the state wrestling championship.
Danny loved the comradery of working cattle alongside his dad and brothers in his younger days. He purchased the farm from his parents in 2003 and continued the dairy his father had started. At times he milked over a hundred cows twice a day. After 38 years of operation, Danny closed the dairy and ventured into cattle. He proudly developed a great Red Angus herd. The past nine years, Danny courageously battled cancer, but was still able to play an active role on his farm, overseeing the birth of many calves. He used his years of experience to provide guidance and support to his nephews that worked with him in the cattle business.
Danny married the love of his life, Karla Zimmerman, on October 11, 1975. They enjoyed multiple vacations with family members, the most memorable being a trip to Las Vegas. He was devoted to his wife, but also cherished the time spent with his family and friends. Danny was an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, watching games whenever possible. He could be heard complaining of bad calls when things didn’t go the Chiefs way. Danny had a special passion for Western television shows and movies. You would be hard pressed to find a Western he didn’t love.Danny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob; sister Louetta Albers; brother-in-law LeRoy Albers and father-in-law David Zimmerman.
Survivors include his wife, Karla; sisters, Janice (Wilbur) Racette and Lois (Gil) Sigg; brother Bill (Brenda) George; mother-in-law Ilene Zimmerman; sisters-in-law, Gerrie George, Karen (Barney) Dickman, Karma (Michael) Sees and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Norman Yardley Cancer Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church or for masses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com