Daniel “Danny” Joseph Backes, 80, Frankenstein, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 9, 2026, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 10, 1945, to the late Paul and Anita (Boessen) Backes in Jefferson City.
He was a 1963 graduate of Fatima High School and proudly served his country in the U. S. National Guard.
Danny was united in marriage to Sharon Peters on Sept. 16, 1967, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein.
His working career consisted of O. L. Cook Bridge Construction Company, Townsend Tree Service, logging trees with his father, Paul Backes in Marshall, Frank Schrimpf Plumbing in Jefferson City and then in 1996, he went to work for Central Bank in Jefferson City until his retirement in 2012.
Danny was a member of Our Lady Help of Christian Catholic Church in Frankenstein and assisted in keeping the cemetery looking nice and helping out with any parish repairs or activities.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, cutting wood, gardening and was known for having the most tomato plants in Osage County. Danny also enjoyed cutting grass and piddling outside.
He was known for teaching kids how to swim with involuntary swim lessons and teaching the area kids both good and bad things. Danny was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
His greatest love came from spending time with the grandchildren and he was the master of being ornery in a fun kind of way.
Danny was incredibly strong after beating Angiosarcoma cancer in 2012, God blessed him with just enough time to watch his grandchildren, Wyatt and Addison, grow up.
He was unforgettable, not only for his larger than life personality, but also for his loving and generous heart. His courage, his laugh and his unwavering willingness to help others, whether it was family, friends or his church, Danny was always there when someone needed him.
He was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Anita; and sister, Marie Huesgen.
Danny is survived by wife of 58 years, Sharon; daughter, Marsha Azinger and husband Tim of Farmington; grandchildren, Wyatt and Addison Azinger; sisters, Nancy Samson and husband Vince of Frankenstein and Arlene Heins and husband Terry of Columbia; brothers, Richard Backes and wife Donna, John Backes and wife Donna and Ronnie Backes, all of Frankenstein; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 14, at Our Lady Help of Christian Catholic Church in Frankenstein, with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo officiating. Interment was in the Garden of Gethesmene Cemetery in Frankenstein with Full Military Honors.
Memorial contributions suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
