Danny Gordon Widener

Abingdon, Virginia

Danny Gordon Widener went to cause chaos in Heaven on Monday, April 29th, 2024.

He was born February 11th, 1955, to Gordon Lee and Shirley Sage Widener in Abingdon, Virginia. He was the oldest of 7 children and made sure to keep the family on their toes. He was known by many names: Husband, Dad, “Ampaw”, Handy Dandy, Daddy Butch, Butchie, and Butch Baby (don’t ask). He started driving an 18-wheeler for the family business at 15 years old. An avid baseball player, he was drafted for the semi-pros out of high school before Uncle Sam came calling. Danny joined the Marines willingly, which was shocking to those who knew him given his disdain for authority, tendency to stir up mischief, and his headstrong ways. He served his country proudly and returned to truck-driving when he returned to the States.

While on the road, he met his match in Jean Draeger, in his words, “a hot little blonde with a mouth to match his” and a feistiness that sealed the deal. They married and remained in Abingdon, Virginia and began their family consisting of daughters Jessica Keegan and Alexandria Lee Widener. Danny made sure that his daughters were well-travelled and always took Allie on the road with him in the summers. Jessica gave birth to Daniel Widener, Alexander Worley, and Caroline Widener, and Danny became known as “Ampaw”.

Danny loved taking his children and grandchildren to “the cabin” in Wytheville, Virginia. He went hunting with Allie and always offered her meat, despite her becoming a vegetarian at a young age. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing with his siblings and friends, and, if you believe his brother Rick, searching for Big Foot. He will always be remembered as someone who loved life, was a loyal friend and family member, and would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger. He had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face for anyone he met.

Danny will be welcomed in Heaven by his parents, Gordon and Shirley Widener; his brother, Michael Gale Widener; his daughter, Jessica; great grandson, Dawson; father-in-law, Sid Julson; special brother-in-law who he greatly admired, Lt. Col. Thomas (Dody) Koontz, USMC, Ret.; beloved sister-in-law, Judy Marie Widener; nephew, Jamie Trogdon; several close friends; his granddog-er, Carly Widener; and two special fur-babies, Fred and Emma.

Danny is survived by his wife, Jean Widener; one daughter, Alexandria Widener; grandchildren, Daniel, Alex, and Caroline; siblings Rick Widener, Suzan Widener, Karen Koontz, Dianne Holmes, and Chris Widener; two fur-children, Kilo and Maggie; two grand-fur-children, Edna Mae and Luna (who he fondly named Lunatic); and countless extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Frost Funeral Home. The service will take place Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at 1:00pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church officiated by Bro. Andy Wells. Those wishing to attend via live stream are asked to go to www.emmanuelbaptistva.com. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park.

Zeke Fugate, Ralph Munsey, Donald Necessary, Kevin Fields, Howard Blevins, and Jamie Surber will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Rocky Blevins, Benny Bordwine, and George Pope.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County, Virginia Animal Shelter, 27252 Porter Lane, Abingdon, Virginia, 24211 or to Wounded Warrior Project to support veterans and their families.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Widener family.