Danny Lynn Read

            Funeral services for Danny Lynn Read, 70, of Huntington, will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with Bro. Jason Swallows, Marcus Thomason, and Phillip Snead officiating. Interment will follow at Fielders Cemetery.

            Mr. Read was born on July 28, 1952, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late Russell Obie Read and Bobbie (Reeves) White, and passed peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

           Mr. Read was a member of Highway Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington and a member of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and the most amazing man to walk this earth. Mr. Read was a provider to many. His main passion was teaching his grandchildren how to play ball. Mr. Read also enjoyed camping and fishing.

            Danny met the love of his life 43 years ago on a $5 dollar bet that she wouldn’t go on a date with him. Well, she accepted his request for a date, they married 5 months later, and the rest was history. I’m sure Dad thought later that that was probably the most expensive $5 he ever won, as he took on us 4 children. He chose to love us and raise us as his own. Dad sacrificed so much to ensure we were all well taken care of. Without his love and guidance, we would not be who we are today. He taught us so much, from the love of ball and horses to fishing and hunting. He was the dad he didn’t have to be.

            Danny and his wife owned Reads Feed & Seed for many years, as well as owning other ventures. Danny was a pillar of his community. He was a president of little league baseball and held many other positions throughout the years in the baseball and softball associations. He coached Dixie Baseball and led them to state. Danny was very active in the Huntington School football and baseball programs. He had his own men’s softball team for 30 years named Colt 45. Danny’s passion was teaching young men how to be great men and leaders, and he always led by example.

            Danny’s biggest passion was his grandchildren. He was more than just their pawpaw, he was their biggest fan, cheerleader, and their rock. Danny was at all of their activities. He loved taking them fishing, hunting, and on vacations. Danny supported them in all they did, and they all adored and respected him for it.

            Danny leaves behind a hole that can never be filled. The love and example he left behind of how to live life to the fullest will remain in us all. We will carry on from here, Dad, and we will continue making you proud. Our hearts are broken but we know you are healed and rejoicing with Jesus and knowing that gives us the comfort to carry on.

           He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Chelmar Read of Huntington; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Suzzanne Read of Virginia; daughter, Allece Christenson of Denver, CO; son, Kenneth Read of Denver, CO; daughter and son-in-law, Lesa and Scott Baker of Joaquin, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Tracey Gee of Huntington; daughter, Christina Gee of Huntington; granddaughter and husband, Ashley and Chris Smith; granddaughter, Brittney Gee; grandson and wife, Ray and Crystal Chamblee; granddaughter, LaLa Rodgers; granddaughter, Katilyn Rodgers; granddaughter, Bethany Rodgers; grandson, Hunter Gee; granddaughter, Madison Gooch; grandson, Michael Gooch; grandson, Colton “Token” Gee; granddaughter, Gracie Gee; grandson and wife, Jacob and Ashley Smith; granddaughter, Justina Gee; grandson, Cris Christenson; grandson, Ty Read; granddaughter, Kathleen Read; grandson, Tanner Read; grandson, Austen Read; great-granddaughter, OttieMae Gee Venegas; great-granddaughter, LaFe Venegas; great-granddaughter, Mavie McMullen; great-granddaughter, Addison Smith; great-grandson, Braxley “Bull” Smith; great-granddaughter, Zoey Rodgers; great-grandson, Cooper Chamblee; great-granddaughter, Allison Smith; great-granddaughter, Scarlett Smith; great-granddaughter, Wrenlee Smith; brother and sister-in-law, David and Debi Read of Bald Hill; uncle and aunt, Coy and Marcia Read of Nacogdoches; nephews and wives, Jeremy and Kacy Read and Jason and Megan Read; extended family, Danny, Pam, Kendall and Jaxx Redd; Billy W. and Malinda Oliver; along with numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends; and special fur baby, Peanut AKA “Little Bro.”

            He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Shanna Polk; grandson, Christopher Gee; and brothers, Johnny Read, Obie Read, and Acie Read.

            Pallbearers will be Billy W. Oliver, Rick Volk, Mike Lisenby, Richard Brookshire, Aaron Oliver, Jarrod Russell, and Josh Watson.

            Honorary pallbearers will be Marcus Thomason, Jayrod Russell, Shane McQuilken, Justin Terry, Caleb Williams, Cody Wilde, Ryan Goddards, Chase Prinze, Ben Watson, Johnny Purvis, and Blake Stanberry.

            Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at Shafer Funeral Home.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.

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