Danny Freeze

Danny William Freeze (Papa Willie) of Walnut Grove, Missouri, entered heaven May 9, 2026 at 6:41 p.m. at the age of 66 surrounded by his loving family. Danny was an exquisite hunter, fisherman and enjoyed anything outdoors, especially, when he could make it his own.

Danny was born on February 10, 1960 in Springfield, Missouri, to William “Bill” and Shirley Freeze of Walnut Grove, Missouri. He played basketball and ran track throughout his high school years and then graduated in 1978. During his schooling, he played two years of varsity basketball, scoring 248 points and averaged 5.5 points per game. 

He first worked for Frisco Railroad where his dad appointed him an apprenticeship. Then, he worked for Banta Foods delivering groceries. After Banta Foods, Danny was called back to work in Springfield Missouri, at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad where he was a machinist for over 30 years. He retired in 2020 and was awarded a Gold Veteran’s Badge from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

He married the love of his life Laura Kiley on December 16, 1995, and they shared over 30 years together.

After retirement, Danny continued living each day to the fullest, even taking his lifelong dream hunt to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where he took a near record brown bear. If he wasn’t out in the woods in a tree stand hunting, he was on the lake fishing. 

He loved growing the most delicious tomatoes each year and perfecting his deer plots. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his most precious blessing and granddaughter Raelyn Grace. 

Danny was the kind of man who embraced everyone he encountered with love, compassion, telling stories to make you belly laugh and would drop anything to help anyone.

He is preceded in death by his dad, William H. “Bill” Freeze; his grandparents Kyle and Thelma Witt; his grandmother, Ada Fite-Freeze; grandfather, Marion Freeze, and his father-in-law, Lee Kiley.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Freeze, of Walnut Grove; his daughter, Jessica Carney, husband, Brando Carney and granddaughter, Raelyn Grace Carney of Lone Jack, Missouri; mother, Shirley Freeze; brother, Daryl Freeze and wife, Kelly Freeze, of Butler, Missouri; brother, Daren Freeze and wife, Melissa Freeze of Walnut Grove, Missouri; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and Mike and Chase Boggs.

Celebration of Life Services were held 2 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove.

In lieu of flowers the family requests to honor Danny by donating to Cross Trail outfitters https://teamcto.org/