Carlton "Rusty" Joseph Danley, Jr.

SANTA FE – Mr. Carlton Joseph “Rusty” Danley, Jr., passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Santa Fe.

Rusty was born on May 11, 1937, in Creole, Mississippi, in his family home. Raised in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Rusty graduated in 1956 with top honors. He had a remarkable life filled with adventure. As a young man, he witnessed the Texas City explosion, played music with Stevie Wonder, traveled around the U.S. and finally got the car of his dreams, a 1956 Corvette. His youth was full of determination and risk — from drag racing to hiding in truck beds to hitch a ride to forming a band with his friends called the Down Beats. Rusty had a strong work ethic which helped him to become the owner of a service station. He eventually sold the station and went to work for Amoco BP where he built a long and respected 30-year career as an electrician. His adventurous spirit extended to the mountains of Colorado, where he owned a gold mine and spent many joyful days hunting and hiking. He was a good-hearted man which made him a natural role model to guide many boys into becoming strong, capable men. Rusty was a gifted storyteller who could captivate any room. His love for cars was lifelong — he owned hundreds of muscle and classic cars, built hot rods with his own hands, and attended countless car shows. Even when illness came later in life, he rebuilt his 1956 Corvette.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Fannie (Devers) Danley, Sr.; son, Jack Danley; sisters, Winnie, Joyce and Micki; fur baby, Big Boy & Hairy.

Survivors include his daughter, Jeannie Frazier and husband, Bill; sisters, Betty and Claire Ann; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; forever friend, Juli Hill; close friends, Allen Buchan, Horase, Al, Bobby and Harland and so many more buddies to name.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Pastor Joshua McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cash, Dustin, Chris, Noel and Darin, Darryl.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Carlton’s name to Boys and Girls Country, 18806 Roberts Road, Hockley, Texas 77447-9327, https://boysandgirlscountry.org.

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