Danny Vic Jarra

Danny Jarra, loving husband, father, son, and friend to many, passed away on Sunday evening March 12, 2023, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. Following a private committal service in the Chapel of Light, cremation arrangements were provided by the J. Herman Humphrey Dignity Cremation Center.  A memorial service is being planned for Friday, April 14, at 4:00 PM, at the River Valley Veterans Memorial Park in Russellville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

Danny was born in Manilla, Philippines on September 19, 1975, to his loving parents, Daniel and Rebecca Fernandez (Sison) Jarra. He lost his father at an early age. His mother remarried and moved with him to Hollis, Oklahoma.  While enrolling him in the fourth grade, the school brought in a Spanish translator; however, she was unable to communicate with him because he spoke Tagalog. Intelligent and adaptable, Danny quickly learned English and made lifelong friendships. He always had a strong sense of right and wrong, and was kind to everyone. A proud member of the Hollis Tigers Marching Band, Danny’s band director once remarked that he was one of the band’s best saxophone players.

After graduating from Hollis High School in 1993, Danny joined the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Dallas (SSN-700), a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine.  During his 7-year military career, Danny rose to the rank of Machinist’s Mate Second-Class Petty Officer, and earned two Good Conduct Awards and the National Defense Service Medal. While serving his country, Danny formed bonds with his Navy brothers who remained close to him throughout his life

In 1996 Danny was home on leave attending a football game and ran into Teyah Thomason, a girl he told blond jokes to in high school. Five years later they would marry in Jamaica, and make Toledo, Ohio their home. They enjoyed shopping, attending concerts, and traveling, but wanted to be closer to family. So, in 2005 they moved to Russellville, Arkansas, and Danny took a job at ANO as a Nuclear Reactor Operator.  That same year they welcomed their first child, a son, Tristan, and two years later a daughter, Lainey.  Danny loved being a father. When not at work, he could be found playing Guitar Hero with Tristan or taking Lainey to the movies.

Having a zest for life, Danny made the most of every moment.  Anyone who knew Danny knew that he loved to hear a good story and he was a great storyteller. His quick wit always brought laughter to any situation. He enjoyed music, sports, traveling, and food. Danny loved to cook for his friends and family, and many were invited to eat his chicken fried rice, egg rolls, and lasagna. In 2015 he purchased his dream car, a blue Mustang GT. He spent many Saturday mornings detailing his car and would later teach Tristan how to drive it and to perform routine maintenance.

Even though he had not lived in Oklahoma since he was 18, he never lost his love for the state. He enjoyed loading up the family to drive to Oklahoma City to celebrate the Fourth of July, watch the Thunder, or attend the Oklahoma State fair.  Danny never missed an opportunity to boast about his OU Sooners and throw shade at others’ sports teams - especially the Texas Longhorns. While OU was his favorite team to root for, he did love taking in a Hogs game with Tristan.

But to his dying day his wife and children remained his greatest loves. Their home was filled with laughter and love, and he was happiest when they were all together.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years Teyah, his son Tristan and daughter Lainey, his mother, Vicky Hays, and siblings Troy Hays (Caitlin), AJ Flowers (Mindy), and Travis Hays.  He is also survived by friends too many to mention.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the ALS Association Arkansas chapter, 1200 West Walnut, Suite 2406-08, Rogers, AR 72756; and Arkansas Hospice, 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, AR 72801.

Danny’s internet obituary and online guestbook can be found at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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