Danny Michael Schertz

In Loving Memory of Danny Michael Schertz
August 18, 1951 – May 28, 2025
On May 28, 2025, our Lord and Savior welcomed home one of His most faithful servants-Danny Michael Schertz. A pillar of strength, kindness, and grace, Danny had a presence that lit up every room and a heart big enough to embrace everyone he met. He was truly larger than life-not just in stature, but in spirit, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
Deeply devoted to Christ, his family, and the land he loved, Danny lived a life rooted in purpose and humility. Whether you met him once or knew him forever, Danny had a remarkable way of making people feel seen and valued. With a firm handshake, a hearty laugh, and a signature twinkle in his eye, he never met a stranger-only a friend he hadn't gotten to know yet.
Danny was born on August 18, 1951, in Denton, Texas, the third child of Homer and Jessie (McFarlin) Schertz. Raised on the family farm, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and generosity-qualities that shaped every chapter of his life. A natural leader and storyteller, Danny often shared humorous and heartfelt tales from his childhood, like the time they were "playing circus" and he rode a little red wagon off the roof of the barn-proof that he always believed in daring to dream.
His formative years were defined by participation in FFA, rodeo, and leadership roles within the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. At Denton High School, he met the love of his life, Sandra Jo Baker, at a rodeo where she was barrel racing and he was riding bareback. He loved to tell the story of watching her skillfully handle her spirited mare and thinking, "Man, what a woman!" That moment sparked a lifelong love. They began dating shortly thereafter and never looked back. On March 28, 2025, Danny and Sandra celebrated 55 years of marriage-a true testament to their deep devotion and enduring partnership.
Encouraged by his ag teacher, Mr. Hal Rylander, Danny pursued higher education, setting the foundation for a lifetime of service in agricultural education. He credited mentors Dick and Robert Harris, whose influence during his time at their feed store and meat counter helped shape his leadership. Danny proudly served as the Area V FFA Association Vice President, the District V FFA Association President, and President of the Denton FFA Chapter.
After graduating from Denton High School in 1969, he attended Cooke County College before pursuing a degree in agricultural education at Texas A&M University, where he studied under the legendary Dr. Herman Brown. Danny was proud to be a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 1973, and anytime he heard "The Spirit of Aggieland," his eyes welled with pride for his alma mater.
At just 20 years old, Danny and Sandra welcomed their daughter, Michelle, in 1971. After Danny graduated with honors from A&M in 1973, the young family moved to Pecos, where he began his teaching career in vocational agriculture. Later that year, their son Michael was born-completing a family rooted in love, faith, and laughter. In 1997 and 1998, they joyfully welcomed Amy Schilling and Ryan Pieniazek into the family, loving them as their own. If ever a father walked this earth reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father, it was Danny.
Danny and Sandra were a true team, modeling love, resilience, and servant leadership for their children and grandchildren. He was both a gentle soul and a wise, steady guide-always ready with encouragement, or a firm lesson offered in love. Raising livestock was a family tradition that evolved into a legacy, with stock shows becoming reunions filled with shared stories and enduring friendships.
That legacy continues through Danny's grandchildren-Taylor Beth, Sterling Elizabeth, Payton Jo, Skylor Michelle, Channing Dannyelle, Garrison Michael, and Stratton Junell-who proudly followed in his footsteps. For Danny, the show ring was never just about banners; it was about passing on values, building memories, and strengthening the bonds that mattered most. In 2022, he was overjoyed when Taylor married Conner McKinzie and the family grew even more.
Danny taught agricultural science for over 30 years, leaving a lasting impact on students, fellow ag teachers, and the communities he served. He taught at Pecos, Arlington, and Northwest High Schools before spending two decades at Krum High School, where he eventually retired. His students were "his kids," and he had an unmatched ability to see the best in each of them. From rewarding correct parliamentary answers with a Coke to gently redirecting behavior by having students "get a broom and sweep the shop", his classroom was both structured and filled with warmth. His strong example of leadership and high expectations provided numerous students with opportunities to serve as officers at the chapter, district, area, and state levels.
In 2021, Danny was inducted into the inaugural class of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Hall of Fame-a distinction made even more significant as he was nominated by former students who never forgot the lasting impact he had on their lives. He also served with pride and integrity as Worshipful Master of the Krum Masonic Lodge #1453. Danny was recognized as a lifetime member of the Texas Junior Livestock Association and remained actively involved with the Texas Limousin Association, American Chianina Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, North Texas State Fair Association (former board member), and Denton County Livestock Association. His contributions to agricultural education and youth development earned him numerous honors, including the Texas FFA Distinguished Service Award and the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree.
Danny's faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a devoted member of Cross Timbers Church (now Milestone Church) in Argyle. He also served on Emmaus, Epiphany, and Kairos teams, ministering to others with sincerity and love. He often shared John 3:17, a verse that captured the heart of his faith: "God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him." Danny lived this truth every day-without judgment, always with love.
He is survived by the love of his life, Sandra; their children, Michelle (and her husband, Ryan) and Michael (and his wife, Amy); and his magnificent seven grandchildren, whom he adored, along with his nephew, Jonathan Mallard, and his family. He also leaves behind his brother, Ricky Schertz (and his wife, Susie); sister-in-law, Ernie Schertz; brother-in-law, Richard Baker (and his wife, Cyndie); sister-in-law, Susan Martin (and her husband, Raymond); in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, former students, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Walter and Jessie V. Schertz; his brother, Homer Samuel Schertz; and his sister, Carolyn Elizabeth Schertz-Mallard, as well as his father and mother-in-law, Garlin and Robbie Baker. He was also preceded by his great-aunt and uncles, Ruby and H.T. Finch, Eddie and Jeannette Schertz, and Marvin and Grace Schertz.
A celebration of Danny's life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Milestone Church – Argyle (formerly Cross Timbers Church), located at 1119 US-377, Argyle, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Danny's name to:
Krum Masonic Lodge #1453 – Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 1453
Krum, TX 76249
Hope Inn Christ
P.O. Box 1572
Decatur, TX 76234
Or to a charity of your choice-Danny believed deeply in giving back, wherever the need was greatest.