Kenneth Danford

Kenneth Danford, beloved husband, father, and “Doodad,” entered into eternal glory on May 20, 2026, at the age of 78. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family.

Born on November 21, 1947, in Brenham, Texas, to Earl Sr. and Lily Danford, Kenny grew up in Wild Peach, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and a deep devotion to family. He graduated from West Columbia High School in 1966 and went on to build a life marked by hard work, integrity, and steadfast loyalty to those he cherished.

On October 22, 1966, Kenny married his high school sweetheart, Gwen Woodard, in Brazoria, Texas. Their 60 years of marriage were filled with love, partnership, and countless treasured memories. Family was the center of Kenny’s world. He delighted in teaching his nieces, nephews, and especially his grandchildren, Presley and Jacob, the joys of gardening, hunting, fishing, and tinkering. His patience, humor, and gentle guidance shaped generations.

Kenny dedicated 35 years to the logistics group at Dow Chemical Company – Freeport Operations, where he was admired for his reliability, strong work ethic, and genuine kindness. His colleagues knew him as a man they could count on, both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, Kenny found peace in God’s creation. Whether deer hunting in West Texas, running trotlines along the Brazos River, or tending his garden at home, he embraced the simple pleasures of life and shared them freely with those he loved.

Kenny is survived by his devoted wife, Gwen Danford; his daughter, Deanna Martin, and husband Jason; his granddaughter, Presley Slauson, and husband Alex; his grandson, Jacob Martin; and his great‑grandchildren, Cooper and Banks Slauson. He is also survived by his brother‑in‑law, Bob Burk; sister‑in‑law, Ginger Danford; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, and great‑nephews, including Amanda Rabe, Kenneth John “K.J.” Rabe, James and Lori Shanks, Debbie Holden, Bobby Jr. and Debra Fielden, and Melinda Danford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Sr. and Lily Danford; his brother, Earl Danford Jr.; his sisters “Ruth” Lavern Amason and husband Billy Amason, Doris Jean Burk, and Deborah Ann Rabe and husband Johnny “J.R.” Rabe; and nephews Mike and Mark Danford. Though their absence has long been felt, there is comfort in imagining the joyful reunion now taking place.

As Kenny’s life is remembered, he is honored as a man who loved deeply, worked faithfully, and found joy in life’s simplest moments. May his memory be a blessing, and may the lessons he taught and the love he shared continue to guide those who follow.

Funeral services will be held on May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Drive, West Columbia, Texas, followed by graveside services at Brazoria Cemetery. Following the services, the family will host a BBQ lunch in Kenny’s honor at the American Legion Hall in Brazoria.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to the Hydrocephalus Association at hydroassoc.org.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23