Obituary of Steve Danford

Memorial services for Steve Danford, 72, of Abernathy, TX, will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the New Deal First Baptist Church with Rev. Caleb Hughes officiating. Cremation and services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy, TX. Mr. Danford died Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at his home in Abernathy. Steve was born on May 16, 1952 in Lockney, TX to J.C. and Pat Danford. At the age of three, Steve was a miraculous survivor of encephalitis which caused a six week long coma which doctors gave no hope. The family then relocated to New Deal when Steve was ten years old where he graduated high school. In 1977, Steve graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education. He married Laquitta McNeely, and together they had two daughters, Mandy and Alesia. He spent two decades working for the City of Lubbock. Additionally, he dedicated many years to volunteering at the Lubbock Food Bank. Steve was an ardent supporter of his daughters’ school activities and actively participated in stock shows, sports and FFA events, where he was an honorary chapter member. He had a particular fondness for watching high school and college sports, especially the football teams from New Deal and Abernathy. Steve was also an avid fan of rodeo events. He played a significant role in organizing the New Deal Rodeo Association and numerous Little Britches Rodeos, benefit rodeos and ropings. He was preceded in death by his Father, J. C. Danford, June 20, 2004. Steve is survived by his Mother, Pat Danford of Abernathy, 2 daughters, Mandy Spinar and husband Shawn of Texline, TX and Alesia Harkey and husband Andy of Spearman, TX, 10 grandchildren, Gracie, Stran, Ryley, Audrey, Stoney, Pearl, and Mabel Spinar and Ava, Addison and Colt Harkey. The family suggests memorials be made to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, 2222 Wellborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219 or to the Diabetes Foundation of the High Plains, 4211 I40, Ste 201, Amarillo, TX 79106