Who Is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt? Inside Her Life Before and After Duane Chapman

Have you ever wondered who La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is? Many people know her name because she was the first wife of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman. While Duane became a TV star and a well-known bounty hunter, La Fonda lived a quiet life away from the cameras. But her story is interesting and full of moments that show strength, love, and challenges.

In this article, we will look at La Fonda’s life, from her early years in Texas to her marriage with Duane Chapman. We will also explore her life after their divorce and where she is today. Let’s dive into her journey and learn why people are still curious about La Fonda Sue Honeycutt even in 2025.

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt Quick Bio

Early Life of La Fonda Sue Honeycutt

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt was born on January 20, 1953, in Pampa, Texas. She grew up in a large family with many siblings. Her parents, Glenn Honeycutt and Elwanda Ioan (Sturgill) Honeycutt, raised her with strong values and a simple country lifestyle. La Fonda’s childhood was much like that of many kids growing up in small-town Texas — filled with close family ties and a strong sense of community.

She graduated from Pampa High School in 1971, and like many young women at the time, she dreamed of a happy family life. No one knew that a few years later, she would marry someone who would become one of America’s most famous bounty hunters.

How She Met Duane Chapman

La Fonda’s life changed when she met Duane Chapman, who is now famously known as Dog the Bounty Hunter. Their first meeting happened at a shopping mall while La Fonda was visiting her brother, who was a policeman. Duane was instantly drawn to her. In his own words from his memoir, he admitted that he couldn’t take his eyes off her the moment he saw her.

Duane, who was young and full of charm, found the courage to approach her. They started talking and even went on a date that very night. Their chemistry was strong, and Duane quickly fell in love with her. Even though Duane was seeing another woman at the time, his heart was set on La Fonda. Soon, they began dating seriously, and it wasn’t long before they decided to get married.

Marriage to Dog the Bounty Hunter

On April 1, 1972, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt and Duane Chapman tied the knot in Pampa, Texas. Their wedding was a happy occasion, surrounded by family and friends. At that moment, La Fonda believed she was stepping into a life filled with love and happiness.

But married life was not easy for the couple. Duane had a troubled past and was trying to turn his life around. He struggled to find steady work because of his criminal record, while La Fonda worked hard to help keep their home running. Despite these challenges, they managed to build a life together, and their love grew stronger when they became parents.

Life as a Young Mother

La Fonda gave birth to their first child, Duane Lee Chapman II, in January 1973. Becoming a mother changed her world. She dedicated herself to raising her son and creating a warm home for her family. Just a few years later, in December 1976, their second son, Leland Chapman, was born.

Life was not perfect, but La Fonda and Duane were excited to raise their two boys. Duane wanted to do better for his family, but his past and personal struggles often got in the way. During this time, La Fonda showed her strength as a wife and mother, working hard while dealing with the ups and downs of marriage.

Problems in Their Marriage

From the start, their marriage faced serious challenges. Duane was known for his wild side and couldn’t always stay faithful. La Fonda tried to make the marriage work, but Duane’s infidelity caused many arguments and heartbreaks. One day, she caught him in a car with another woman he had met in a bar. This was the breaking point for her.

Heartbroken and angry, La Fonda packed her bags and returned to her mother’s house in Pampa, Texas. But Duane didn’t want to lose her. He followed her to Texas, determined to win her back. By that time, La Fonda was five months pregnant with their first son, and they decided to give their marriage another chance. For a while, things seemed to get better, and they focused on building a stable home for their family.

Duane Chapman’s Arrest and Prison Time

In 1976, their lives took a tragic turn. Duane was hanging out with friends one night when things went horribly wrong. One of his friends decided to rob a man during a drug deal. Duane didn’t take part in the killing, but because he was there as the driver, he was linked to the crime.

Soon, Duane’s name was all over the news. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was later sentenced to five years in prison in Texas. For La Fonda, this was too much to handle. With two young children and her husband behind bars, she decided it was time to move on with her life.

Divorce from Duane Chapman

When Duane Chapman went to prison in 1976, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s life turned upside down. She had two young boys to raise, and her marriage had already been rocky because of Duane’s behavior. The thought of raising her children alone while her husband was behind bars was overwhelming.

In October 1977, she made a life-changing decision. La Fonda filed for divorce from Duane while he was still in prison. The court granted her full custody of their sons, Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman. She wanted a fresh start and a safe life for her boys, far away from the chaos that surrounded Duane at the time.

Finding Love Again

Not long after the divorce, La Fonda found comfort and love again. She married her long-time best friend, Jim Darnell, in 1977. This new chapter of her life brought stability and happiness. With Jim, she built a peaceful home and focused on raising her children.

La Fonda and Jim went on to have two daughters, Britney Lynn Darnell and Hannah Dawn Darnell. Her family grew, and she found joy in being a loving mother to all four of her kids. While Duane moved on with his own life and marriages, La Fonda chose to live quietly and stay out of the spotlight.

Her Children and Grandchildren

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s children have grown up to make their own names, especially the two sons she had with Duane Chapman. Leland Chapman and Duane Lee Chapman II are both known for appearing in their father’s reality TV shows, including Dog the Bounty Hunter.

La Fonda is also a proud grandmother. She has four grandchildren: Dakota Chapman, Cobie Chapman, Leiah Breanna Chapman, and Dylan Chapman. Even though she has kept her life private, her family remains close, and her children sometimes share photos with her and their kids.

Life Away from Fame

After her divorce, La Fonda chose not to follow the fame that came with being linked to Duane Chapman. While Duane became a TV star with his hit show Dog the Bounty Hunter, La Fonda preferred a quiet life in Texas. She does not appear on television, and she is not active on social media.

Most of her days are spent with her husband Jim, her children, and her grandchildren. People who know her describe her as warm, caring, and devoted to her family. In a world where many chase fame, La Fonda’s choice to stay private makes her story unique.

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s Net Worth

There is not a lot of public information about La Fonda’s career, but sources estimate her net worth to be between $500,000 and $1 million. Most of this comes from her divorce settlement, family support, and her simple, stable lifestyle.

She is far from the wealth and fame of Duane Chapman, whose net worth is reported to be around $6 million, but La Fonda seems happy living a peaceful life. Sometimes, a quiet life is worth more than money or fame, and La Fonda’s story proves this.

Where Is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt Now?

In 2025, La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is 72 years old and continues to live a private life with her husband Jim Darnell. She spends time with her family and enjoys being a grandmother. While her name is still connected to Duane Chapman, she has built her own path far from his fame and reality TV world.

People are still curious about her because she was part of Duane’s early life and witnessed his rise before he became famous. But La Fonda’s own life shows that you don’t need to be on TV to have a meaningful story.

Final Thoughts

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s journey is one of love, heartbreak, and strength. From a small-town girl in Texas to being married to Dog the Bounty Hunter, her life has been full of ups and downs. Yet, she managed to find happiness in her own way.

Today, La Fonda is a proud mother of four and a grandmother who values family above everything. While Duane’s life is often in the spotlight, La Fonda has shown that a private and peaceful life can be just as fulfilling. Her story continues to inspire curiosity, proving that she is more than just “Dog the Bounty Hunter’s first wife.”

(FAQs)

Who was Duane Chapman’s first wife?

Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s first wife was La Fonda Sue Honeycutt. They were married in 1972 but divorced in 1977 while Duane was serving time in prison.

What is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s nationality?

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is American, born and raised in Pampa, Texas, United States.

How old is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt now?

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt was born on January 20, 1953, which makes her 72 years old in 2025.

How many children does La Fonda Sue Honeycutt have?

She has four children. Two sons with Duane Chapman — Duane Lee Chapman II and Leland Chapman — and two daughters with her second husband, Jim Darnell — Britney Lynn Darnell and Hannah Dawn Darnell.

What is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt’s ethnicity?

La Fonda Sue Honeycutt is of Caucasian ethnicity, with deep American roots in Texas.

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