Danny "Pappy" Elerson

Services for Mr. Danny “Pappy” Elerson, 68, of Phalba, are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, June 13, 2025, at Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline, with Steve White officiating.

Interment will be in Woodside Cemetery.

Danny Thomas Elerson passed away on June 8, 2025, in Athens. He was born on February 18, 1957, in Dallas, to Thomas Jerome and Helen Beatrice McDonald Elerson.

Danny was raised in DeSoto, where he graduated from DeSoto High School with the Class of 1974. Rooted in a life of hard work and the outdoors, Danny grew up on the farm and carried that passion throughout his life. He dedicated himself to training horses, gardening, and managing ranches—earning respect in every community he touched. He was especially proud of his time managing the CJR Ranch in Eustace, Texas.

For the past 20 years, Danny made his home in Phalba, where he continued to live close to the land he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Helen Elerson.

Danny will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of animals, and the quiet wisdom of a life lived close to nature.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Elerson of Phalba; son, Thomas Elerson of Avalon; three daughters, Emily Elerson of Waxahachie, Brooke Reed of Fruitvale, and Tiffanie von Hellborn (Sascha) of Sunset; six grandchildren, Cooper Bowles, Briahna von Hellborn, Madison von Hellborn, Brooklyn Elerson, Olivia Elerson, and Naomi Elerson; two great-grandchildren, Ivy and Ida Mae; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Randy Bowles, Thomas Elerson, Danny Dyer, Sascha von Hellborn, Dan Grounds, and Kent Tucker.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home.