Donald Ray Daniel

On Wednesday, June 10, 2015, Donald Ray Daniel, a wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, was taken too soon due to a tragic automobile accident at the age of 70. His last day was spent doing what he loved the most, spending time with his grandson, Hunter, playing golf. Service: Don will be remembered at a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Aledo High School Auditorium with the Rev. Lee Trigg officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home, Stamford. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to the Don R. Daniel Educational Endowment may be sent to the Aledo Independent School District to support scholarships in his name or to the Hunter Corzine Memorial at First Financial Bank, 505 FM 1187, Aledo, Texas 76008. A 1964 graduate of C.F. Brewer High School, Donald Ray Daniel utilized his catching skills on the field of dreams to earn degrees at Ranger Junior College and Texas Wesleyan University. He married the love of his life, Carolyn, as they eloped on Dec. 26, 1969. Going back to serve the community where he spent his childhood, Don served as a baseball and football coach earning two district titles in 1971 and 1973 at Brewer High School with teams he loved like sons. Don and Carolyn welcomed their first daughter, Christie Daniel Beaty, on Feb. 17, 1972. Don always stated that he was glad it wasn't a district game because he might have missed that birth. In 1974, Don moved his family to Crowley ISD serving as assistant principal and later principal of Crowley High School while earning a master of education from Tarleton State University. In 1979, he was promoted the position of assistant superintendent and the family welcomed their second daughter, Wendy Daniel Michael. He loved his girls and filled their childhood with family friends at the lake house in Weatherford, in a Winnebago traveling the south, trips to the beach, Las Vegas and Disney World. He never missed a volleyball, basketball, band or cheerleading event. He spent the remainder of his 25 years of service with Crowley ISD in the administration office. He loved his Crowley family, many of whom had been or became lifelong friends. He implemented numerous award winning programs, including his favorite, the E.A.G.L.E. Gifted and Talented Program. In 1999, Don took the helm as superintendent of Aledo ISD. He loved the Bearcat Nation where he spearheaded and completed numerous bonds that built Aledo High School, Bearcat Stadium Complex, McCall Elementary and renovations at every campus, including major technology upgrades. Academic and athletic success soared under his leadership with a community being defined with the Aledo logo and Bearcat Vision. He was a humble servant to the students and educators of this community. In 2011, he was honored at his retirement reception when a newly completed building was named the Don. R. Daniel 9th Grade Campus and the Don R. Daniel Educational Endowment. In his retirement, he enjoyed his "fun jobs" working TCU Football games and the Colonial Tournament. His rich and full life was complete when he was just being Pawpaw to Hunter, Caitlin, Cara, Logan and Taylor. He enjoyed picking up his grandchildren each morning and taking them to school. He had an amazing dry wit and a wicked sense of humor. Don was man of few words, yet when he spoke his family listened. He loved Longhorn football, Texas Rangers baseball, and watching his grandkids play golf, softball, dance, and throw the discus. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Geneva Daniel; brother, Bradford Daniel. He went to be with his Lord and Savior with his handsome grandson, Hunter Chase Corzine. Survivors: He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carolyn Costephens Daniel; daughters and son-in-laws, Christie Beaty and husband, Jason Beaty, Wendy Michael and husband, Robert Michael; beautiful grandchildren, Caitlin Ray Beaty, Cara Lynn Corzine, Logan Michael and Taylor Dally and wife, Marissa; sister, Jo Ann Perry and husband, Ron Perry; brother, Michael Westfall and wife, Denise; nieces and nephews, Kathy Jo Costephens, Brett Perry, Mitchell Perry and Tracie Perry; numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many, many dear friends.