Danny Joe Burleson

Danny Joe Burleson passed away in Missouri City, Texas on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at age 81.

Danny was born in Groesbeck, Texas to Harvey Burleson and Nell Hudson Burleson on February 24, 1945, where he grew up the youngest of 5, and graduated from Groesbeck High School.

Danny Joe Burleson and Barbara Ann Tilley were high school sweethearts and united in marriage on August 29, 1965, in Groesbeck. He enjoyed a long and successful career with Eastman Kodak, where he worked for 30 years, from 1972 until his retirement in 2002.

Danny had a lifelong love of golf and spent many happy years on the golf course. During his working years, you could often find him playing on the weekends, and after retirement, he took every opportunity he could to enjoy another round.

When he wasn’t playing golf, Danny loved watching sports. He was a devoted college football fan, especially when it came to his Texas Longhorns. He also followed professional football and had what could best be described as a lifelong love-hate relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. In more recent years, he became an avid Houston Astros fan as well.

Sports were rarely something Danny simply watched quietly. They sparked plenty of opinions, spirited debates, and more than a few fiery conversations around the dinner table. Whether celebrating a great win, questioning a coach’s decision, or explaining exactly what a team should have done differently, Danny always had something to say—and those lively conversations became part of the memories our family will always cherish.

Fittingly, Danny spent his final weekend surrounded by family, doing something he had enjoyed for so many years—watching college and professional football and baseball together. It seems only appropriate that some of his last days were filled with family, sports, conversation, and the familiar traditions that had brought him so much enjoyment throughout his life.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; and his wife Barbara in 2014.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Burleson Furra, her husband Curtis Furra and their daughters Kinsey and Kylie; son, Kevin Burleson, his wife Michelle Burleson, and children Edward, Marquis, his wife Ashton, Brandi, Haley, Kevin Jr; and daughter, Kandra Burleson.

Also, survived by two sisters-in-law, Joanne Burleson and Kay Driscoll; and numerous nieces and nephews ; and various greats.