Danny Bellah October 21, 1950 - November 4, 2023

Danny Bellah, 73, of Woodson, Texas, passed away in Abilene, Texas, on November 4, 2023, sur - rounded by his loved ones. Danny’s family welcomed friends for a visitation at the First Chris - tian Church in Woodson on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held in the Danny Bellah Physical Education Center in Woodson on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. His interment at the Woodson Cemetery will immediately follow. All services are under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Danny Ray Bellah was born in Olney, Texas, on October 21, 1950, to Bobby Joe and Barbara Bellah. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary; daughter, Kim Bellah Miller and husband Brady; son, Chad Bellah and wife Kristi; six grand - children – all of whom were his pride and joy – Danna, Hanna, and Julianna Miller, along with Britton, Carson, and Hagen Bellah, all of Woodson; twin sister, Debby Mathiews and husband Bobby; brother, Jody Bellah and wife Betsy; as well as sister-in-law, Kay Simpson, and brother-in-law, Billy Powell. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Barbara Bellah.

Danny was raised in Woodson and graduated from Woodson High School in 1969, where he loved and excelled in all sports and academics. All of his peers still comment on what a phenomenal athlete he was in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He met the love of his life, Mary Ferne Powell, while attending McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. They graduated in May of 1973, and one short week later, on May 26, 1973, they were married. Their union began a life of love and a five-decade commitment to each other. Danny taught and coached in Lake Dallas, Rochester, and Woodson. His influence as an exceptional coach touched the lives of numerous athletes. After receiving his master’s degree from TWU, he served as principal and superintendent of Woodson ISD for 31 years, where he impacted the lives of hundreds of students and staff. He is known for being a positive role model and encourager. The motto he implemented at school, “Be the best you can be,” is still used today! He received the Distinguished Alumni of Woodson High School honor in 2015. Throughout his 37 years of work in education, Danny’s influence extended beyond the school and touched the hearts and lives of those he encountered.

Mr. Bellah served as a director for the Texas Association of Community Schools and a TACS Executive Committee member. He also served on the TEA Commissioner’s Cabinet in Austin and was a Study Chair for the Region 9 Ser - vice Center. Additionally, Danny served on the Throckmorton County Hospital Board and was a board member of Virginia’s House, a family resource center for neglected children. In retirement, he served as interim superintendent for both Throckmorton and Woodson schools and then worked as an office manager at BJB Transport until his health no longer allowed him to work. Danny was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Woodson, where he was an elder and Sunday school teacher. He devoted many hours to researching and documenting the church’s history to obtain a historical marker from the state. The marker has been approved and will arrive in the near future. His impact reaches far beyond his beloved family and the Woodson community to countless friends and colleagues. Danny lived out his strong Christian faith daily. He was loved by all who knew him, and he left his mark everywhere he went. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Beasley and Mr. King, as well as Be - yond Faith Home Health Care, especially Whitney, Garyelle, and Halie. Donations in memory of Mr. Bellah can be made to the First Christian Church in Woodson or the Woodson Exes Scholarship Fund. It was Danny’s desire to have a pavilion built by the church for the use and benefit of the Woodson community. Messages of condolence can be shared online at meltonkitchens.com.