With heavy hearts, we share the passing of WJ Danner of Florence, KY.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
WJ spent his working life as ['the racetrack'] and held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What WJ believed shaped how he loved.
Wayne John "WJ" Danner, 91, passed away on April 26 in Florence, KY.
WJ was born on August 24, 1934 in Burlington, KS to the late Ray and Ruth Danner (Giesy) of Burlington. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Burlington and Emporia riding his favorite pony named Beauty, helping his father run the sale barn and later learning from him how to be an auctioneer. All of his life he wanted to be a horseman. He spent his entire adult life as a thoroughbred horse trainer traveling many states with his late wife, Marlene, where they raced and raised four children along the way.
He met and married his late wife, Marlene, in a typing class at Emporia High School. They were married on May 14, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Emporia, KS. They worked and traveled throughout their married years racing thoroughbred race horses in Nebraska, Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, but most of all Ohio and Kentucky.
WJ was a very successful horse trainer. He had over a thousand wins throughout his career and held the title of Leading Trainer several times. He was well respected by others on the racetrack, and was known most of all as a true horseman which is what he will be remembered for.
WJ once said that his perfect day would be to wake up early, train the horses, and get home in time to watch The Price is Right. He would then watch his favorite soap opera, The Young and the Restless, take a nap, watch the news and end the day watching Kansas win a basketball game.
After retiring from training, he loved to grab some donuts, take them to the barn, and watch the horses train from the backside. He loved to cook, play golf, tell stories, and watch his children play sports when they were still in school. Back in the day he hosted countless "barn parties" and would make enough food for what it seemed like everyone that worked at the racetrack. He will be remembered as a great horseman, golfer, father and friend.
Surviving WJ is his brother Jess (Margaret) Danner, and his children, Mike Danner (Kathy) of Hays, KS, Brad Danner (Rashelle) of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Doug Danner of Florence, KY, and Angie Avalon (Bill) of Aurora, OH. The grandchildren that he loved, Jake Danner (Carissa), Heeth Simpson (Stephanie), Chelsie Klein (TJ), Zach Danner, Allie Sleezer (Colin), Amber Laudat (Lester), Preston Danner (Teresa), Billy Avalon (Hannah), Alex Avalon, Michael Avalon (Amber), Trevor Danner, and 18 Great-Grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 17, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery in Burlington, KS at 11:00 am. Reception to follow at Rock Creek Country Club.
There will also be an additional Celebration at Belterra Race Track in Cincinnati Ohio on Sunday June 7 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Donate online at: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org
