Danny Verdo Fondren, 73, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Danny was born on March 8, 1952, to Billie Ruth and Dallas “Dick” Fondren. He grew up in Plano, Texas, where he spent his childhood surrounded by family, sports, and the small-town community he loved so much.
Danny attended Plano High School and was a proud Wildcat. He played football and baseballand was part of the 1967 AA Texas State Championship Football team. Sports were an important part of his childhood, and he carried those memories with pride throughout his life.
Earlier in life, Danny worked alongside his family on the family farm near Murphy, Texas. Coming from a fourth-generation Murphy-area family, he was incredibly proud of his roots there. Danny loved telling stories about growing up in Plano and around Murphy. Stories filled with humor, memories of hard work, and the people who shaped his life.
Later in life, Danny settled on the family land with his wife, Paula, where they raised their two children, Jason and Tera. The Lord was an important part of Danny’s life. He was a devoted member of Murphy Road Baptist Church before his health declined, where he served as a
deacon for many years and was involved in the church’s building committee. Danny’s greatest joy came from being “Pops” to his grandchildren. Amelia, Eleanor, and Sophia were the light of his life, and he loved cheering them on.
Danny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Geno and Leta Wilson; his parents, Dallas “Dick” and Billie Ruth Fondren; his brothers, Jimmy Fondren and John Fondren; and former wife, Paula Cockrum McDaniel.
He is survived by his children, Jason Fondren and wife Jessica, and Tera Fondren and husband Bryan Andrews; his beloved grandchildren, Amelia Andrews, Eleanor Andrews, and Sophia Fondren; his sister, Mary Ann Barley and husband James; and his brothers, Billy Don Fondren
and wife Barbara, and Dave Fondren, along with many extended family members and friends. Danny will be remembered for his stories, his love for family, his deep roots in Murphy and Plano, and the steady presence he brought to those who knew him. He will be dearly missed by
all those who loved and knew him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Danny’s life at 10:00 a.m. on March 20 at Murphy Church (formerly Murphy Road Baptist Church), located at 411 S. Murphy Road in Murphy, Texas.