Danny Joe Strode, age 57 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, presently living in Rogersville, Missouri, passed away Thursday morning, December 23, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones while he lost his fight to Covid. He was born April 3, 1964 to the late James Strode and mother Marjorie (Cherry) Strode. Danny was a very successful businessman who strived for greatness every day. He owned two very successful companies, Southwest Propane and Canon’s Southwest Septic Services both based in Moriarty, New Mexico. While living in both New Mexico and Missouri for many years, his heart truly belonged in the beautiful Ozarks. He was working very hard to retire soon to be with family and travel, particularly to the beach. His dream was to one day own a home or condo on the beach and looked forward to enjoying his family. Danny employed many employees and friends he called family. He cherished and loved them all dearly. Danny was a loving father of three children and did everything possible to provide for them and keep them safe. He was the most loving, caring, selfless person you would ever know. His generosity spread through the communities where he lived and was able to help so many in need. His love for life was uncanny and his sense of adventure was well known by those closest to him. There was never a problem too difficult to solve, no dad jokes left unturned and not a smile left ungiven from this man. His permanent smile and loving nature lit every room and his daily words of encouragement helped so many get through life. Danny’s favorite past time was taking long rides on his motorcycles and spending time with friends. Any restaurant worth eating at he knew about and would tell everyone. His favorite foods were ribs and steak, and he could always tell you about the best places in town. His positivity and love for our Lord and Savior was one of a kind. He is what all of us strive to be. Danny will be sadly missed but will live on forever in the hearts of his many friends and family.
Danny was preceded in death by his father and two brothers David and Wayne Strode. Danny is survived by his mother Marjorie (Cherry) Strode; daughter Britanie Prather and husband Mike, daughter Tiffanie Shook and husband Chad, son Levi Strode; sister Diana LaMonte and husband Tim; brother Bill Strode and wife Stephanie; granddaughter Paislie Prather; two grandsons Sutton and Finley Shook; the mother of his children Wretha Strode; partner Melissa Diaz; many nieces and extended family.
I will be forever grateful to have Danny come into my life and become the best of friends. Rarely do we find someone with the camaraderie I felt we had. I admired his charisma and eagerness to meet new people wherever we went. I learned from him to strive to become a better person than we had been in the past. And to enjoy life in the present. To my friend. You will forever be in mine and many others hearts and memories.
This is my favorite picture of Danny, I miss that twinkle in his eyes! I was so very blessed to know Danny as a friend and as a great boss. Danny was a very generous man to his employees, his family and his community. I have such fond memories of when he took all his employees for a trip to red river. What a wonderful time we had. I sure miss his smiling face but know we will see each other again one day!
I can't begin to tell you how this wonderful man stole my heart. He was a once in a lifetime special man. He always made me laugh, smile and always brought out the best of me. We shared a beautiful short life together and enjoyed life to it's fullest. I will always remember all the special times we shared, and how wonderful you made me feel. You had a heart of gold and always wanted to help someone in need. His love for God and his family showed me what a special man he was. I will never forget the first and the last time I got to hold his hand. Thank you my beautiful soul for coming into my life.
When you met Danny Strode, he was immediately a friend, never a stranger. His love for life was infectious. He was generous by nature. His love for his family was transparent. We only wish we could have had more opportunities to spend time getting to know him as many of you have. As the saying goes, “life is too short.” Take every opportunity you have to spend time with the people who influence your life in the best ways possible. Danny was one of those special people. We are honored to have known him. God has a good one now.
While not having the opportunity to get to know Danny well, I did notice how Danny could connect with everyone, and he not only liked everyone, but they liked him as well. He fit in every situation.
I didn't know Danny very well or for very long. But I do remember his big personality and his smile. He seemed like a man at peace with a good cigar and a good bourbon. And I know he was very proud of Tiffanie and loved her very much.
Danny was a faithful person in Christ and a generous person in life. My brother wasn’t perfect, but he sure did try to be. He was always there for each and every person he knew and didn’t know. He always found a way to give back. Without hesitation he was there for the family during a loss. He loved to tell stories about his childhood in the south valley. My brother was the man I strived to follow but those were big steps to follow. The one thing he did for himself was his Harleys, he loved to ride. I miss him everyday, the conversations we had, which by the way made you feel better every time. This world lost a blessing from Christ, but God needed him back. We are only loaned to this world for a short time.
I met Danny when I interviewed for a job with his company. We became fast friends, and he was a great boss. Giving me an opportunity to run his second company was amazing and I think we’ve done a great job honoring him. I will forever miss his jokes, his funny memes, all the pictures he would send me of his adventures and our talks of life over a drink after work. His energy was contagious and I don’t think any of us will ever be the same. Miss him!
There’s a multitude of memories I could include to let the world know that (uncle) Danny would give you the world if he had it at his disposal. If someone were to represent Christ with their willingness to give - it was Danny Strode. He was old school “teach a man to fish” type of guy, but he never stopped helping. 2019 showed it all, he made sure that my father (his brother), and of course my mother and I had everything taken care of at such a heartbreaking time. It was never about the money, it was about taking care of others. I can guarantee you that upon entering heaven Danny heard “well done my good and faithful servant.”