Danny E. Fender (80) of Louisville

He was born on September 11, 1942, the son of Emmett and Opal (Owens) Fender. He was united in marriage to Jeannie Craig on February 8, 1964 at the First Christian Church in Flora and they shared 59 years of marriage. Danny stated his working career at the Clay County Republican in the early 1960’s and never left, eventually owning the business until his retirement. Danny took great pride in being a Director of the Board at Clay County State Bank where he served from 1971 until his death. He was a charter member of the North Clay Fire Protection District serving from 1970 to 2002, spending 19 years as District Chief and continued to serve as a trustee on the board. Danny served on the board at the Clay County Housing Authority and was a past member of the Louisville Rotary Club. He was big on giving back to his community and helped with many things around town. A trait he instilled in his boys and they have encouraged their children to do the same. He was selected as Citizen of the Year in 2002. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t repair, build, or fabricate. He was an average golfer at best but he sure loved to play and especially with his dear friends at the Effingham Country Club. In his final days Danny told of his greatest accomplishments in his life……his family. He loved them all dearly, and was always there for support, encouragement, and advice. He was our hero, and our hearts are broken.

Danny is survived by his wife: Jean Fender of Louisville; two sons: Troy (Arnita) Fender of Louisville, Todd (Lisa) Fender of Louisville; granddaughters: Alyssa (Kyle) Boose, Allison (Jonah) Slifer, Darcy Fender and friend Alex Webb, Maggie Fender, Danielle (Tyler) Walke; great-grandsons: Jackson Slifer, Emmett Boose, Huxley Slifer and longtime friend: Mr. Kitty.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law: Frank and Deletha Craig; brother: Arlie Fender; brothers-in-law: Sonny Hockman and Howard Craig and sister-in-law: Jean Fender.

Funeral services to celebrate Danny’s life will be held at 11 am Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Louisville First Baptist Church with Pastor Kelly Carruthers and Brother Mike Durre officiating. Burial will follow at the Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening at the church where friends may call from 5 to 7 pm and then on Friday from 10 to 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Danny’s memory to the Louisville First Baptist Church. The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is entrusted with the care and arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Danny, please visit by clicking here.