Danny Gauna Sr of Mora, New Mexico passed away on Sunday, November 1st, peacefully with his daughter by his side at their 2nd home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Danny was born in French Tract, New Mexico on December 29th, 1942, to Fidel and Hazel Gauna. In his early years, his first job was at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Danny would say: “I taught the boy scouts how to be real cowboys”, and that's exactly what he was, a real cowboy from New Mexico who loved to travel for rodeos and bull riding.

After slowing down on rodeo life, Danny settled in Texas where he spent 50 years of his life before moving back home to New Mexico. He made many lifelong friends while in Austin, Texas and cherished each and every one of them until his final days.

Danny made friends everywhere he went and was a great friend in return! He was always willing to go out any time, day, or night offering the shirt off his back for his family and buddies. His favorite things to do were rodeoing, ranching, hunting, fishing, and BBQ cook-offs. He had a passion for smoking BBQ on the smokers he built, entering in competitions and teaching his kids how to season and smoke the perfect brisket with time and love.

Danny loved his pets, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. He was often seen with his loving well known pup Junior, before laying him to rest 3 years ago.

Danny is preceded in death by his wife Belvie “Pepper”, son Robert Scott, parents Fidel and Hazel Gauna, sister Patrica “Patty” Gauna-Werdel, and Brother Eddie Gauna.

He is survived by his son Danny Gauna Jr. and wife Melissa of Liberty Hill, TX, daughter Ashley Roybal and husband Monte of Monte Aplanado, NM, daughter-in-law Felicia Scott of Springer, NM, step-daughter Lora Pearce of Austin, TX, grandchildren Danielle, Moriah, Jordan, Kaityln, Daniel and Monte Robert, and great-granddaughter Rori. He is also survived by his sisters Doloras Gauna, Jeannie Mondragon, Shirley Vigil (Peter), brother Luke J. Gauna (Rose), special nephew Luke Jr. Gauna, special niece Jeanette Vigil, great-nephew Coupe, and great-niece Hazel.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Kylie, Mariah, Elizabeth, Kristina, Nicole, Pam, and Jen for their support over the past month in helping him to remain home with his family.

A rosary will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, November 12th, at Rogers Mortuary in Las Vegas, NM. A funeral mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, November 13th, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Mora, NM. Danny's final ride will be to the San Antonio Cemetery in Cleveland, NM with a meal to follow at the American Legion Post 114 in Mora, NM.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.