John Alvin Daniel

John Daniel, age 75 of Gatesville, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Celebration of life services will be scheduled at a later date by his family.

John Alvin Daniel was born on May 7, 1948 to the late Donald and Evelyn Stewart Daniel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  After high school, John attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his ASE mechanic and teaching certifications.  He worked many years as a mechanic and had a long career as an auto shop and history teacher.    He spent most of his life living in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California prior to his retirement.  In his later years, John moved to Gatesville where he participated in various social organizations.  He enjoyed traveling, reading and was an avid NASCAR racing enthusiast, who spent much of his time taking photos at various NASCAR races.  John was also a lifelong foster parent for his beloved dachshunds and worked closely with both GetALong Dachshund Rescue and Fuzzy Friends Rescue.    

John is survived by his sons, Joseph Daniel and wife, Nancy of Visalia, California, and James Daniel of Hemet, California; brother, James S. Daniel of Sylmar, California; grandchildren, Michael Noe and wife, Jessica of Visalia California, Crystal Ward and husband, Erik of Oak Harbor, Washington, Jonathan Daniel and wife, Lily of Merced, California, Ashley Daniel of Beaverton, Oregon; great-grandchildren, Stefanie Milan of Lindsay, California, Justin Ward of Oak Harbor, Washington, Lyla Noe of Visalia, California, Liam, Levi and Luke Noe of Visalia, California, and former spouses, Laini Freitas-Daniel and Barbara Paxton-Daniel. 

In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that memorials be made to GetALong Dachshund Rescue at www.getalongdachshundrescue.org/, or to Fuzzy Friends Rescue at www.fuzzyfriendsrescue.com/donate/.

John wanted everyone to remember he disliked the sadness of funerals, and would much rather be celebrated in your own way knowing that he is going to a much better place. He said, "He cannot say do not cry, for not all tears are evil, but show me out with joy and hope. He was saved by the hand of my Jesus many years ago and have no fear of dying." That was one of his favorite quotes from Lord of the Rings.