Daniel Gene Donalson

Dr. Daniel G. Donalson, aged 72, passed away in his home on July 11, 2025, in Rock Island, Tennessee, with
his wife Lisa, brother Tom, and great friend Tammie by his side. He was born on October 13, 1952, in Holland,
Michigan, to Marion and Alyce Donalson.
Dan graduated in 1970 from Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, and went on to further his
education, earning his Bachelor's degree from Florida State University, his Master's degree from the University
of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and his Doctorate from the University of Houston.
He spent over 30+ years in Information Technology, working at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
NASA, the Sisters of Charity Hospital Group, and as a consultant during Y2K. He was elected to the Clear
Lake, Texas School Board and served as its President for 10 years. After earning his Doctorate, he became a
professor and taught American History at Houston Community College, Red Rocks Community College in
Denver, Front Range Community College in Colorado, and served as an adjunct professor at the University of
Northwestern Ohio. He received many accolades from his students over the years, who admired his insight,
wit, and ability to bring history to life.
Dan was a published author. His first book was a fictional novel about the Atomic Bomb to be used on
Germany called Thin Man, and his second was a historical book about the use of the Sedition Act during World
War I, titled Espionage and Sedition.
He was an avid reader of both history and science fiction, building an extensive personal library and often
rereading his favorite books just for the joy of it. He had a deep and enduring respect for history, and not just as
a subject. He believed history had a way of repeating itself and he spent his life encouraging others to learn
from the past so that they could shape a better future. He wanted to be remembered as a historian, someone
who cared about truth, context, and the stories that define us.
After retiring, Dan left Castle Rock, Colorado, and settled in Rock Island, TN, where he purchased 16 acres
and built a homestead from the ground up. He had a two-acre pond dug and stocked with his favorite fish, he
cultivated his own vineyard and orchard, and raised chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and horses. He became
a passionate beekeeper and winemaker during this time as well. His home was shared with two dogs and four
cats, and every inch of his property reflected the care, curiosity, and reverence with which he lived.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Barbara, and his beloved sister, Cindy Donalson Terry,
who passed away in January of this year.
He leaves behind his loving wife Lisa, his daughter Sara Donalson Niday, his son Steven Donalson, and
stepsons Marc and Nicolas Grable. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren. He is also survived by his
brothers Tom, Tim, Ricky, and Marcus, and sisters Cathy and Teresa; and thirteen nieces and nephews.
When asked prior to his death how he wanted to be remembered, Dan said:
"Everywhere I have been, I tried to leave it better."
In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com McMinnville Funeral Home and McMinnville Crematory LLC are honored to be of service to the Donalson family.