Herbert R. "Herbie" Dankworth

Herbert R. “Herbie” Dankworth, 66, of Rowena, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 4, 2014 after a courageous 3 ½ year battle with lung cancer.

He was born February 16, 1947 in Ballinger, Texas to Charles Edward and Anna (Fuchs) Dankworth. Herbie graduated from Ballinger High School where he received numerous awards in basketball and FFA. On December 28, 1965 he married his one true love, Iris Brunner, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, Texas and they recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. He was a loving husband, devoted father of three children and proud “PaPaw” of 5 grandchildren. He valued time with his family and even during cancer treatments, insisted on the annual family vacation to Port Aransas. Herbie loved to spend time at the farm feeding his barbadoes and piddling around on his little red tractor. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren. He truly lived God’s commandment to love one another – he was a champion for the underdog and a mentor to many. His reminder to keep a smile on your face and a feather in your pocket always brought a joyful grin to those around him. Even during his illness Herbie never lost his positive attitude and always said, “If I had it any better, I couldn’t handle it”.

Herbie was the owner and operator of Dankworth Metal Recycling and for the past 12 years he and Iris had turned to “artistic recycling”- creating metal decorative items and yard art under the name of HRD Originals. His metal work graces yards and homes throughout Texas and beyond. For over 25 years, he generously donated his time and resources to assist the Ballinger Elementary School PTO with their aluminum can drives. In 2010, Herbie was honored with the Sons of Hermann Humanitarian award for this project.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and past president of the Parish Council. Through the years, Herbie was also involved in the Rowena Lions Club, Rowena Water Supply Corporation, and Crossroads Gun Club. He also served as a member of the Ballinger ISD school board for 9 years.

Herbie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and Ralph Dankworth; sister, Laverne Goetz; and parents-in-law, Robert and Vlasta Brunner.

Herbie is survived by his loving wife, Iris of Rowena; son, Eric Dankworth of Abilene; daughters, Shelli Morgan and husband, Trey of Crane and Roxanne Fentress and husband, Dustin of San Angelo; brother, Dan Dankworth and wife Shelia of Abilene; and sisters, Doris Ann “Doodle” Dankworth of San Angelo, Jeanie Minzenmayer and husband, Bud of Ballinger and Frances Dankworth of Ft. Worth. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kaylee and Jake Morgan and Cody, Shelby, and Ethan Fentress; sisters-in-law June Dankworth of Paint Rock and Sharon Dankworth of Sun Lake, Arizona.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Robert Prieto and his staff, Hospice of Ballinger, and Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation for their excellent care and loving support.

The rosary/wake service will be at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena with Deacon Stanley Lange and Fr. Hugh Wade officiating.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena with Fr. Morugudi Bhaskar officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena.