Daniel Earl Haldeman

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Daniel Haldeman, 78, of Shepherd, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, after a short and difficult battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He faced his illness with quiet strength and grace, just as he lived his life. His family and those who loved him are heartbroken by his loss, but deeply grateful that his final days were spent surrounded by peace, love, and the comfort of home.

He was born in Pennsylvania, and over the years, his path led him to Texas, where he felt most at home. He loved the space, the peace, and the people, and it became the place that truly suited him.

He proudly served in the United States Navy, including time in Vietnam, and carried that sense of honor, discipline, and love of country throughout his life. His time in the service shaped the man he became-one guided by integrity, loyalty, and an unwavering respect for others. He often spoke proudly of his time in the Navy, and that experience left a lasting mark on his character and the way he lived.

He built a long and successful career as a roofer and eventually grew his own roofing company. He took great pride in his work and had a natural eye for detail and perfection. Everything he did, he did with care and craftsmanship, and he earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.

Throughout his life, he showed incredible resilience. We nearly lost him several times over the years-through two previous battles with cancer, a cardiac arrest, and even a serious accident where he rolled his truck. Each time, he fought his way back. He had a stubborn strength and a quiet determination that always carried him through.

He was also a man who believed in forgiveness and growth. He made his share of mistakes, but he faced them, learned from them, and became a better person because of it. He believed in second chances and in the power of letting go of the past. He taught his family that forgiveness isn't weakness-it's how you heal and move forward. Those lessons will stay with the people who loved him most.

He was known for his generosity and his deep compassion for others. He had a special way of noticing when someone needed help-whether a friend, a family member, or a stranger-and never hesitated to lend a hand. He often carried gift cards in his pocket and would quietly give them to people who looked like they could use a little help. Sometimes it was a kind word and a meal for someone down on their luck; other times, it was helping someone get a tire replaced or groceries for the week. He never did it for recognition-it was just who he was.

He had a deep love for animals and rescued many dogs over the years, giving each one a safe and loving home. He and Toni even once tried to save a newborn puppy that had been abandoned in the middle of the road. They named her The Littlest Angel and, though she lived only a few hours, they cried over her loss and laid her to rest in their yard. He also cared for a baby squirrel that had fallen from a tree, naming him Yip Yip. He bottle-fed and raised the tiny squirrel for nearly a year before letting him go to live freely in the yard. Those small acts of care showed exactly who he was-someone with a big heart who couldn't turn away from an animal in need.

He found joy in the simple things-watching westerns, sharing meals with family, riding the golf cart around his property, and spending time outdoors. He especially loved taking corn out to the "deer buffet" and leaving leftovers for the foxes that visited his yard. He looked forward to seeing them every day, quietly watching from his porch as they wandered in to eat. Those peaceful moments became part of his daily routine and brought him real happiness. Those who knew him will remember his dry, quiet humor, his little snicker when something amused him, and his touch of mischief that made him fun to be around.

He is survived by his wife, Toni Haldeman; his daughter, Debra McManus (Bob), and their daughters, Ariel McManus and Ashley McManus (James); and Toni's son, Israel Dunn (Viki). He also remained close to his stepchildren from a previous marriage: Jessica Quick (Mike), Melissa Sanders (Marlon), and Mark Rhodes, maintaining a lasting bond with them throughout the years. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Haldeman, and his brother-in-law, Bruce Miller, who will miss him greatly. He cherished the bonds with his nieces, Michelle Timke, Bonnie Vanover, and Paula Metherell, as well as his nephews, Jim Geary, Paul Geary, Walter Geary, and Jeff Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Haldeman and Lillie Haldeman; his two sisters, Marion Geary and Shirley Miller; his brother, Norman Haldeman; and his brother-in-law, Carl Geary.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the American Legion Post 629 1350 FM3278, Coldspring, Texas, beginning at 4:00 PM, with military honors in recognition of his Navy service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by extending kindness to someone in need or by donating to your favorite animal rescue or veterans' organization. The family also wishes to thank the hospice team at Heart to Heart Hospice and his friends, Keith and Crystal Millett, for their compassion and care. Additionally, the family would like to thank Dale Everett and Laquitta Franklin for their help in organizing the Celebration of Life.

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