Saturday was a tragic day for the friends, family, coworkers, and students of Danny Keith Gunn, 49. After attending the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Gunn was killed.
Gunn was a great agriculture teacher to K-12 students at Idalou. Gunn was born Aug. 30, 1961 in Garza County to Oneita Jones Gunn and the late Clarence Gunn. Before marrying his wife, Melinda Tatum July 12, 1986, they were both graduates of the class of 1979 at Post High School. After marrying Tatum, he went on to graduate from Angelo State University. Gunn’s job in his early years of being married was working in the oilfield for George R. Brown. Gunn then went back to college to pursue a career in Agriculture Education.
“He was just a true man you want your kids to be modeling after. We’re going to miss him,” Jim Waller, superintendent, said.
Gunn was a single occupant of the 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck registered to the school. The train tracks did not have crossing arms. Witnesses said they saw a large trailer in front of Gunn’s truck which may have blocked view for Gunn causing him to not be able to see the oncoming train.
“Danny was one of those who was well thought of. He was just a super guy,” Dee Justice, funeral home director at Post’s Justice-Mason Funeral Home, said.
Students, teachers, friends, and family continued to mourn throughout the open funeral procession which happened Wednesday.
“It speaks very loudly of how genuine of a man he was and how much he’s missed and loved. I know as a friend that Mr. Gunn would want all of his students and everyone involved with him to keep their chins up and make him proud,” Devin Felger, family friend, said.
Gunn had begun his teaching career at Klondike High School then continued at Lamesa High School. He was the leader in the Area II FFA Association. For the past seven years, Danny taught at Idalou High School in the Agriculture Education Department.
“It was a tragic situation. The fact that he was supporting his students out of town on his personal time speaks volumes. We’re praying for his family and friends in this difficult time,” Raquel Espinoza-Williams, UP spokeswoman, said.
Mr. Gunn will be a very missed man. Being a teacher at Idalou for several years to middle and high school students, a husband, and a father of three, many will miss him.
Image courtesy of lubbockonline.com/localnews/