Donald L. Daniel, 76, passed away on February 27, 2023, with his wife and son at his side. He was a truly kind, caring, empathetic, and jovial man who will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community he served.
Don was a devoted family man, having been married to his wife Sandra (Leatherman) Daniel for 56 years. Together, they had one son, James (Diedre) Daniel of Louisville, KY, and one grandchild, Kristen Daniel of Greensboro, NC. Don's sister Sue (Daniel) Eiler (Ed) of West Lafayette also survives him. Don's parents, Bill and Gwen Daniel of West Lafayette, preceded him in death.
Don was a man of many talents and interests. He delivered his paper route on horseback as a youth and had a lightning-fast wit that always kept those around him on their toes. He was lesser-known as “that guy who tipped with $2 bills.” While not exactly mechanically inclined (he once replied that, while he suspected that his car DID have an engine, he was unsure as to its location) he was an accomplished musician, gardener, fisherman, and steward of meadow, woods, and beach. He loved the game of golf (primarily because of the time spent with friends), and the Chicago Cubs and Bears, but his heart belonged to Purdue Boilermaker basketball and football.
Don's love of music was evident throughout his life. His involvement with school bands began as a student of Gladys Wright while at Klondike High School and continued with Dr. Al G. Wright and the Purdue University All-American Marching Band. His love and support for the students of the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Purdue Band followed him for over fifty years. He was fond of telling stories from his band years, including a summer of performances at Radio City Music Hall (Radio-Citio!) with the Rockettes. He also played with the Lafayette Citizen's Band for many years, which brought him much joy.
His love of music lives on through his granddaughter Kristen Daniel as she pursues a master's degree in oboe performance at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. His musical legacy can also be seen in the thousands of middle and high school “Bandlings" taught by his son James.
After graduating from Purdue with a degree in political science in 1969, Don continued his education in law school at the IUPUI campus in night school sessions. He received his law degree in 1973 and was admitted to the bar the following year. Don was hired as the attorney leading the Legal Aid Corp. office that same year.
Don had his own general practice law office for 27 years in Lafayette with an emphasis on family law. He was one of the first Indiana lawyers to complete the Indiana State Bar Association's Mediator Training program. Prior to his election to the bench, he was appointed judge pro tem on hundreds of cases, including criminal jury trials. He was also an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and served as a guardian ad litem, appointed by the court to evaluate and report on child custody and visitation issues in divorces.
As Judge of Tippecanoe County Circuit Court from 2003 through 2014, Judge Daniel was known for his commitment to family law. His even disposition on the bench aided him as he made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. He lived up to his billing as "A Family Man For A Family Court.”
Don's community involvement extended beyond his work as a Judge. He worked with the Food Finders Food bank of Tippecanoe County, the American Red Cross, Legal Aid Corp., the Tippecanoe County Mental Health Association, and the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP) of Indiana. After relocating to Mexico Beach, Don supported NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Health) of Bay County, Florida.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Tippecanoe County, where his family and friends can come together to honor and remember his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Purdue University Bands (https://www.purdue.edu/bands/donate/) or the Meyzeek Middle School Band (828 South Jackson St., Louisville, KY 40203).
Don's family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.
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