Cone (C.R.) Dansby, Jr.

Cone Reeder Dansby, Jr. "C.R.", passed away peacefully on August 15, 2021, in Round Rock, Texas.  He was born the only son of an only son on March 23, 1932 on a farm in Bosque County outside of Valley Mills, Texas, back in the day when you could drive the tractor into town for a bag of sugar.  There were two movie theaters in Valley Mills during his childhood years; the family would load up in the car, all seven of them, and head to town.  There was a swimming hole on the farm, fresh food, a mother and father who loved their family and worked hard, a horse to ride, chores to do, tractors to drive and tinker with, and four sisters to pester.  The sisters would scrub him on the scrub board, which drove him underground, under the farmhouse, where he carved cars out of wood and built roads and bridges in the dirt.  He later became a civil engineer, designing bridges and roadways with the Texas Highway Department, and enjoyed his longtime hobby of drag racing cars (starting with the big family Ford) with his wide circle of racing buds.

And we cannot forget the Friday night football he played in Valley Mills.  Go Eagles.  

C.R. had a truly blessed childhood and family life, and he knew it.

He worked, played, accepted Jesus, and was baptized at Searsville Baptist Church outside of Valley Mills.

While attending Clifton Junior College in Clifton, Texas, he met his beautiful bride and companion of more than 50 years, Katharine Janet Johnson, born and raised in Clifton, and was devoted to her until her passing in 2006.  Katharine also attended the college and worked at the library desk.  They were captivated by each other's charm at that library desk.  He then pursued her, and won her heart.

C.R. became a Lutheran with Katharine, and they raised two daughters as Lutherans.  He taught Sunday school and ushered while his bride played piano as they served the Church when their children were young.  From starting a career in west Texas and finishing that long career in Austin, Texas, he was a family man, a Ford man, a motor man; he left behind a rich legacy, from a commitment to his family down to his various motorized pieces of equipment, large and small.  And the boating, the memories of family boating/skiing adventures throughout the Central Texas area, what fun.  His two grandchildren and one great grandchild brought him much, much joy.  He always made time to pull a little wagon behind one of his motorized toys whenever children were around, hauling them to and fro, wherever they wanted to go, sporting his favorite ball cap at the time or his straw hat.  A child at heart, he was.  A truly blessed life.

C. R. could play piano by ear, his wife Katharine, a music major, played piano by reading sheet music, and there are many memories of them performing their artistic feats on the family piano, Katharine being a tad bit jealous of C.R. being able to play by ear.  There were many memorable and fun family performances from that family piano.

And that senior discount, he never forgot to ask for that senior discount with a smile throughout his long and happy retirement years.

C. R. had his funeral suit in the closet for many years, a black suit, and a tie.  As daughter Kendy had the honor of gathering her father's funeral clothing she came upon her father's father's western tie, and some suspenders.  As Kendy and granddaughter Breanna were preparing things, it was deduced that we should try the western tie with suspenders and a white shirt.  With his western hat and black cowboy boots he wore for many years, he could have been mistaken for Robert Duvall if he was on a horse in his latter days.  Dad and some of those farm gals became quite good at sittin' a horse.  

We chose to honor him in the clothing he chose.   

His family, what he lived for, what he provided for.  He was a rock to many, including friends and family.

C.R., along with his remaining older and younger sister, Ruby Godby and Corrine Rabbe, and in memory of the family before him, pray the family reunions are carried on, that we understand that love and unity in the family are paramount, the will of God.

C.R. is survived by his older daughter Kerry and her husband of many years, David Frentrup, his younger daughter Kendy Dansby, his grandson Chris Bostick, his granddaughter Breanna and her husband Jessie Howeth, and his great grandson, Jussi Myles Pera.  Other surviving family members include sisters Ruby Godby and Corrine Rabbe, and many loved nieces and nephews.

C.R. was born to Cone Reeder Dansby, Sr. and Pearl Alice Golden Dansby on March 23, 1932, in Valley Mills, Texas.  His paternal grandparents were Jonathan Dansby and Julia Lodema Reeder, and his maternal grandparents were John Golden and Emma Amundson, all of the Bosque County area.  He was married to Katharine Janet Johnson on August 23, 1952 in Loraine, Texas.

Many thanks to Traditions Health Hospice Care and Hearthstone, who provided the beautiful, comforting, peaceful environment which allowed us to love him, to cook his favorite pinto beans his wife had made him every day, and keep his favorite movies such as Shane and To Kill a Mockingbird on in the background as he passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord, who he knew and loved and served with the life he lived.

Viewing will be at Clifton Funeral Home Friday, August 20, 2021, 5 - 7 p.m., with a graveside service Saturday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. at the Valley Mills Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Chris Bostick, Jessie Howeth, David Frentrup, Randy Bradshaw, Mike Godby and Brad Rabbe.

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