Danny Hoya was born January 31, 1947 to W.B. (Tony) and Ruth King Hoya in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Houston, Texas and his class (1965) was the first class to attend North Shore High School, where he was elected Student Body president for all four years of high school, and was honored as Mr. North Shore High School his senior year. Even after many, many years, the closeness of the first classes at NSHS remained, and Danny was beloved by them all. He was honored at a private get together in July, 2017, where many of his old friends attended.

After high school graduation, Danny attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, a town he loved. All of Danny's family roots were in Nacogdoches, where there remains a Hoya Library and Museum and many historical buildings that bear the Hoya name. All his beloved King uncles lived in the area as well, and the King Family still has their famous King Family Reunion at Pine Creek Lodge there every year. Danny was blessed with a huge host of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his sister and two half-brothers.

After graduation from college, Danny married Charlotte (Canson) Hoya from Marshall, Texas, in September of 1971 and they began a full and happy life together that lasted almost 46 years. After living briefly in Shreveport, LA and then Lufkin, TX, they moved to Houston and started a family; daughter Stacey, born in 1975, and son Cody, born in 1978. They shared a wonderful 34 years in Kingwood, raising their children and enjoying lots of fun!

Danny and Charlotte relocated to Rockwall, Texas in 2013, after Danny retired. They had owned a home there for almost two years, since their first grandchild, Bailey Sinclair Akridge, was born. They chose Rockwall because it was centrally located between daughter Stacey and her husband, Ken, and their son Cody, and his partner, Robbie. Stacey added to the family with a son, Kason Kiser, in 2013, and Danny enjoyed his grandchildren so much. He also loved being closer to his dear friend Doug Peteet and Caddo Lake, where he spent many happy times. Danny and Charlotte also continued to take their many trips to Rockport with best friends Richard and Stephanie Wood, for fishing fun and relaxation. 

In 2015, Danny was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, and the prognosis was very bleak. However, in the care of his amazing neuro oncologist, Dr. Virginia Stark-Vance, and her team of professionals; and surrounded by the love and care of innumerable friends and family, Danny defied the original prognosis of 6 months and had almost two years of life - much of it very good! Through treatment, he was, as he always had been, wonderful, lovable Danny, and naturally, he was beloved by his medical team. He fought long and hard, and with the most positive attitude any human could have. He was a daily inspiration to us all. After a new tumor grew rapidly in his brain stem, however, we had to accept that the long battle was done. He left this world peacefully on the morning of May 10, 2017, in the arms of Charlotte and Cody. 

Danny always teased Charlotte that if he "went first", he really wanted bagpipes at his memorial, and so, on May 21, she, with the help of so many friends and family, threw a huge and wonderful party for the love of her life. Over 200 people shared delicious food, drink, balloons, and yes! A fantastic bagpiper! It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place, and the memories were sweet and perfect. In July of 2017, another private memorial get together was held in Houston in Danny's honor, with his treasured North Shore High School friends.

Danny led a beautiful life that touched many, many people. He was a man well loved by everyone who met him. He was one of a kind. We will miss him forever.

Go to https://youtu.be/10AHx-QLvxI to see a slide show at Danny's memorial.