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“If my boat floats from sight, it doesn’t mean my journey ends; it simply means the river bends.”

 
On November 22, 2016, our favorite river rat, Ronnie Danner, 68, floated around that next bend ahead of us.

 
Ronald Danner, known to most as RD, is survived by his wife, Carolyn; one son, Dustin Danner, and wife, Heather; two dearly loved grandchildren, Ethan and Lindsay, all of DeWitt; one sister, Paula Kinnard, of Maumelle; a niece, nephew, and great-nephew, Shauna O’Briant of Maumelle, and Craig O’Briant (Lynn) and Jaxson of DeWitt.  He is also survived by a large extended family and many friends, all of whom he dearly loved.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Betty Ann and Calvin “Boots” Danner.

 
RD was born in DeWitt, AR on October 15, 1948, where he was a lifelong resident. It was there that he met and married Carolyn in 1969. He worked alongside his dad, Boots, at Simpson Chevrolet before becoming a business partner with his dad at Boots Danner Repair Shop, where they worked for 32 years. After closing up shop, RD worked alongside his son, Dustin, in maintenance at Arkansas Post National Memorial.

 
RD is a Vietnam War veteran, serving as a Military Police dog handler, a role that gave him great pride. He also served as Fire Chief for the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He was an avid hunter who enjoyed spending time in the woods chasing deer, squirrels, and whatever else moved.

 
Visitation was Friday, November 25, 2016, First Baptist Church, DeWitt, at 12:00 noon, with the memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. with interment in the DeWitt Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home.

 
Memorials may be made to the following:  First Baptist Church Building Fund, 322 W. 1st, DeWitt, AR 72042; City of DeWitt Fire Department, c/o DeWitt City Hall, 120 Court Square, DeWitt, AR 72042; Acres of Help, Inc., P.O. 696, DeWitt, AR 72042.  www.essexfuneralhome.com