Donald Eugene “Pinky” Daniels, an 87-year-old Novinger resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at Boone Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. He was a former superintendent in the Grundy R-5 School District.
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Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 at Novinger R-1 High School. Burial will follow with military rites at the Novinger Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Thad Daniels, Ryan Bradley, Christopher Bradley, Dustin Daniels, Derek Daniels, Tyler Daniels and Brody Mathes.
A visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
Mr. Daniels was born July 30, 1924 in Kirksville, the son of George William and Bertha Ethel Burchett Daniels.
On Sept. 21, 1946, he was married to Clara Dee Jones in Troy, KS. She survives of the home.
Mr. Daniels was a life-long resident of Novinger, graduating from Novinger R-1 High School in 1941. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and held the highest rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class, receiving three Asiatic-Pacific stars, seven gold Air Medal stars, one gold Distinguished Flying Cross star, three Air Crew Wings stars, a Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged in 1946.
After returning home, he earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Northeast Missouri State University in August 1953 and his masters degree in city school administration in August 1956. From 1962 to 1987, he served as superintendent at Grundy R-5 High School and Adair County R-1 until his retirement. Before serving as superintendent, he taught business administration classes.
He enjoyed fishing, reading and woodworking after his retirement. He built the family home in 1958, raising his family there and residing there at the time of his death.
He was a member of the Novinger Lions Club, was treasurer of Novinger Housing and attended the Novinger Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Danny Daniels and his wife, Kathy of Novinger, and David Daniels and his wife, Barbara Jo of Kirksville; two daughters, Dixie Glasgow and Kathy Bradley and her husband, Mike all of Kirksville; eight grandchildren, Kimberly Mathes, Tracie Williams, Thad Daniels, Ryan Bradley, Christopher Bradley, Dustin Daniels, Derek Daniels and Tyler Daniels; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John E. Daniels; three sisters, Mildred Steele, Lola Riley and Maragurite Daniels; and a grandson, Kayle Elmore.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Donald “Pinky” Daniels Scholarship Fund. They may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.