Bryant Daniel "Danny" Penton, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the age of 71.

Danny was born on July 28, 1952, in Los Angeles, California to parents Jimmie Penton and Naomi Smith Penton. After growing up in Bush and later Mandeville, he graduated from Mandeville High School, and at the age of 17 Danny enlisted in the United States Army. Danny proudly served in combat in Vietnam earning several medals for bravery.  After his service, Danny worked for the Slidell Police Department, as an undercover narcotics agent and officer. During that time, Danny also earned his Emergency Medical Technician certificate, saving many lives. Danny worked for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Department for ten years, attaining the rank of Sergeant. During this time, he was part of the Sheriff's Department's original S.W.A.T. and Water Recovery Diving Teams. Along with his teammates, Danny continually risked his life not only to rescue individuals, but in recovery efforts to give families closure for their loved ones.

The day before his 35th birthday, Danny was accepted as a Federal Agent. Had he waited a day later, this dream would not have come true for him. After working with the Immigration Department for five years, Danny was honored to become an Agent with the Office of Inspector General where he remained for 20 years until his retirement in January 2009. During his time in law enforcement, Danny received several medals, awards and commendations honoring his investigative skills and his bravery. This included, among others, the VA-OIG award for bravery and valor due to his response when an armed veteran entered and posed a threat to a VA facility. He also garnered the VA-OIG Award for Excellence from the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency for work in uncovering the fraudulent diversion of VA benefits and recovering over $11 million dollars, the largest recovery in the Veteran's Administration's history to that date, as well as conviction of those involved in the criminal scheme.

Danny loved all animals, spending time with his grand babies and being a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. Danny would literally give the shoes off his feet to help someone less fortunate, even in his final days, he enjoyed serving others by donating his clothes to those who were less fortunate.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Rico Penton. Children - Robert Higgins, Karissa Waguespack, Megan Penton, and Erick Penton. His grandchildren, Jason, Madison, Jayden, Colton, Aubree, Merci, and Eris. Brothers Randy Penton and Michael Penton, Sisters Rose Carver, Pam Mayeux, Robin Peeler, Melissa Andrus, Jennifer Lorio and Thena Taylor; dearly loved aunt, Ronda Thomas, and extended family Connie Penton, Nashion Myers, and Patti Penton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation which serves the families of veterans and first responders in need. (Https://t2t.org).

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA, on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00 A.M.

Interment will follow at the Southeast La. Veterans Cemetery. Immediately following the interment, a continued celebration of Danny's life will be held at the Slidell Lions Club Den 356 Clevland Ave. Slidell, La. 70458.

Visitation on Friday after 10:00 A.M. until funeral time.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.