Evelyn K. Danehower

Evelyn Barrington Kinniman Danehower passed away June 29, 2012 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. Born August 29, 1926, to Harry and Edith Kinniman, in Memphis, TN and raised in Forrest City, Arkansas, Evelyn was a true daughter of the south, growing up a neighbor to the Ozarks, with older sisters Mildred and Dorothy. It was there she met her lifelong sweetheart, Will, on a blind date. Will sold a cow 'Strawberry' from the family farm to marry Evelyn in 1954. After the death of their first daughter, Pattie Roe, the loving couple moved to the DFW area where Will resumed his engineering career and Evelyn became an administrative assistant at LTV. The couple then had three wonderful daughters Ann, Jenny, and Danna, but employment in the aviation field kept Will plenty busy, while Evelyn eagerly enjoyed holding down the family fort. She opted for a position as the "Director of Internal Affairs'' at the Danehower household, a position she held until the girls were grown. "Mother,'' was a nametag she wore with pride, but in a twist for the women of her youth, she took on an ardent quest to become a professional photographer. Successful in that pursuit, she did not find herself fighting sex barriers, but a challenge of another sort. Allergies to processing chemicals ended her photo career. Undaunted in making her way, she served as the administrative assistant to the president of the First National Bank of Arkansas and later, to several lawyers and at LTV. Not one to stay idle, she then began working as an administrative position with the Texas Workforce Commission in Dallas, before retiring to the beloved confines of her home and swimming pool, where she could be found many summer afternoons through the decades, lounging on a floatie, cold drink in hand, and hair in an assortment of colorful swim caps as she pontificated in her lilting southern drawl. She loved horses, poodles, and skiing. She enjoyed sewing, taking pictures of flowers, cooking her special blueberry muffins, and painting. The family home always had a magnolia tree, roses and amaryllis to paint or photograph. In their final years, Evelyn and Will made Abilene their home, living six years together at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, and, true to their affection, died with 56 years of love for each other behind them. She was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Arlington. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Will Roe, daughter Patti Roe, parents Harry and Edith Kinniman, and sister Mildred Kinniman. Evelyn is survived by daughters Ann Danehower of Abilene, Jenny Hunter of Elgin Ill, Danna Ferrell of Abilene; grandchildren Kyle and Kourtney; sister Dorothy Dodson of Memphis TN; many nieces and nephews; and special extended family Buzz and Jan Haven. A memorial service will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with The Rev. David Romanik officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 So. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605.