Danny Goates

Danny Lee Goates, age 87, of Gholson passed away late Thursday evening, February 12, 2026 at St. Anthony's Care Center in Waco.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Deacon Robin Waters officiating. Masonic Graveside Rites will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Born on November 28, 1938, in Fort Worth, Danny was the beloved son of Clara Mae (Dollins) and William Riley Goates Jr. He spent his early years in the heart of Texas, graduating from West High School in 1957. Danny's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to family and country. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, demonstrating the same dedication he would later apply to his career and his loved ones. On November 5, 1960, he married Linda Tepe in Riesel and they built a life filled with love and laughter until her passing on January 28, 2002. A true jack of all trades, Danny wore many hats throughout his working life. He started with the General Tire & Rubber Company, later operating a family dairy and working with StarTex Propane as a delivery and transport driver. His journey continued at Bryant & Frey Construction Company in Waco and Tom's Mechanical HVAC, before finally realizing his dream with his own business, B & G Trucking Company, from which he retired in 2004. Danny was a member of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Gholson and an esteemed member of the West Masonic Lodge #478. His vibrant personality and passion for life drew people to him, as did his hobbies of antiquing, working with cast iron, and enjoying the thrill of coon hunting in his younger days. He found joy in every moment and took pride in being an active member of his community, including a booth at Cedar Chest in McGregor.

Danny is also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Riley Goates; and a granddaughter-in-law, Caitlyn Reed Goates.

Survivors include his sons, Barry Goates and wife Ernestine of West, and Kevin Goates and wife Michelle of Gholson; his friend and companion, Viva Kendrick; his grandchildren, Amanda Goates, Christopher Goates, Zachary Goates, Cheston Goates, Corbin Goates and wife Danielle Matula, and Karson Goates; his great-grandchildren, Evy, Daniel, Zane, Beckham, and Demi Goates; a sister, Barbara Tennison and husband Billy; sisters-in-law, Edna Ann Thompson and Linda Harrison Goates; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are Christopher Goates, Zachary Goates, Cheston Goates, Corbin Goates, Karson Goates, and Reese Goates. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Tennison Jr., Jeffery Thompson, Danny Kendrick, Brian Ballew, Russell Martin, and Bruce Ballew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gholson Future Farmers of America Alumni Group.