Danny Ray Hulse

Danny Ray Hulse, 74, of Wheeler, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025, at his home. He was born May 22, 1951, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Howard Hulse and Celeste Hulse Gray.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marietta Hulse; and two brothers, Greg and Randy Hulse. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Hulse; one brother, Rusty Hulse; and one sister, Cathy Robbins, all of Wheeler.

A 1969 graduate of Fayetteville High School, Danny grew up with the freedom and grit typical of a farm kid, collecting stories he loved to retell throughout his life. He was the fifth generation to work on his family's farm, a place he cherished deeply. He and Marietta were high school sweethearts, and Danny helped Marietta navigate the challenges her illness later presented with his characteristic determination.

Danny was a real cowboy in every sense of the https://word.Not just in the way he dressed, but his spirit. He was independent, resourceful, tough yet tender, with a love of adventure and a quick wit. Rodeo bull riding was a pastime that was cut short after a decent stomping. A skilled horseman, he judged junior rodeos and loved running slack. Unsurprisingly, his favorite quote from Lonesome Dove could have been written about him: "What's good for me may not be good for the weak minded."

Danny volunteered for 6 years in the Arkansas National Guard. He was a graduate of the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio, and worked at Phillips Grocery in Bentonville before spending many years at Watson's Grocery in Fayetteville. He later worked in emergency services sales, traveling the country selling fire trucks, equipment, and ambulances-a job he was born to do because it brought together people, stories, rigs, gadgets, and travel.

As one of the founding members of the Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department, Danny served for many years as both firefighter and board member. He was proud of the department and the community it served and remained deeply connected to it throughout his life.

Danny loved a lively card game or a round of dominoes and was an avid turkey hunter. He was also a born storyteller-some appropriate, some inappropriate-but always funny.

But his greatest joy was being a father. He taught Elizabeth to fish, raise cattle, build fences, and hunt morels in his secret holler. Danny loved seeing new places and taking his family along for the ride.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 1st in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wheeler Fire Department, 6946 West Wheeler Road, Fayetteville, AR 72704.