Danny Lee Conatser

Danny Lee Conatser, 77, of King City, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022 at home with his family by his side.

Danny was born Feb. 13, 1945 in De Queen, Ark., to Lee and Mildred Conatser. They moved to King City, Calif., in 1947. Danny graduated from King City High school in 1962 where he played baseball. He worked at Carl's market in the butcher shop at the age of 14 where he learned how to butcher meat. After graduating, he attended Hartnell College, where he studied engineering.

He was drafted into the military in 1965 and joined the United States Navy. He went to Jet Engineering School and was then stationed on the USS Independence. He traveled the world and saw many countries, before being stationed in Sanford Naval Base, Fla., where he met his wife, Georgette Paul, while working on shore patrol. In 1967, three days after being married, he was deployed on the USS Enterprise to Vietnam and finished his tour on the USS Saratoga. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and brought his wife back to King City, where they lived across the street from their family friends, Roger and Rosemary Mendez, for 48 years.

He went to work for his dad at Lee Conatser Welding, where he worked as a welder and machinist until he was 75 years old. Danny joined the King City Fire Department in 1972, serving as an engineer for six years; assistant chief for 20; and retired after 17 years of serving as Chief. Danny was a member of the Jaycees, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, The Silver Kings and Queens and the Heritage Foundation. He taught Hunter Safety Classes for many years and certified many hunters in South County. He was the King City Blue Ribbon 4-H swine leader for 10 years, taking the members to the Salinas Valley, Mid-State, and Monterey County Fairs.

He loved to hunt and fish, play cards and roll dice with his friends and loved to dance with his wife. He was an avid fisherman, fishing bass tournaments for many years in the BBT, ABA and Won Bass circuits. He spent many nights on Lake San Antonio fishing with Georgette; traveled up and down California fishing the lakes with his fishing buddies; and took a final deep sea fishing trip in 2019 with some of his closest friends, which we are ever so grateful for.

Danny loved his community and South Monterey County. He was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2015 and was also honored as having the Business of the Year previously.

Danny is survived by his beloved wife, Georgette, of 54 years; two children, Christopher Lee Conatser (Tina) and Carri Elizabeth Northcutt; a dedicated son in law, Paul Northcutt; three grandchildren, Chloe, Calee and Nash, who he was very proud of; brothers, Brent and Larry; sister, Paula Sue Decker; and many nieces and nephews.

Danny's smile and helping hand will be missed by many wonderful friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salinas Valley Heritage Foundation, The King City Blue Ribbon 4-H or your favorite charity.

A Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022 at the Eddington Funeral Chapel. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 in the King City District Cemetery.

Published in King City Rustler · August 30, 2022