Stillwater, OK - David "Butch" Dean Daniels of Stillwater Oklahoma passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the age of 88 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was born October 28, 1937 to Ralph and Dorothy (McInturff) Daniels in Enid, Oklahoma where he was raised with three sisters and one brother. He graduated from Enid High School where he played both EHS and American Legion baseball. David attended Phillips University for one year before joining the US Air Force. After training, David was stationed in Abilene, Texas where he met the absolute love of his life, Judy Carol Hatfield. They were married on September 17, 1959 and, following completion of his military enlistment, moved back to Enid to make a home.

With the assistance of scholarships, the GI Bill, and support and encouragement from Judy, David returned to attendance at Phillips University. He completed a Bachelor of Education in Science in 1970 followed by a Master of Science in 1974. He began teaching 9th grade Biology and Physical Science at Longfellow Junior High School (his own junior high school alma mater) where he was an excellent teacher and an even better coach. A virtual kid magnet, his time at LJHS included coaching football, basketball, wrestling, track, and golf for both boys and girls teams and a variety of grades. David also continued to actively participate in sports himself including pick-up basketball games with fellow teachers and coaches, donkey basketball for the AmBucs and church league softball. He spent his entire teaching career at Longfellow and retired a proud Mustang after 22 years of teaching.

Upon retirement in 1992, David devoted his time to golf, fishing, attending thoroughbred races at Remington Park and learning to cook breakfast for himself (and his beloved springer spaniel, Mattie - "an egg for me, an egg for you, a pancake for me, a pancake for you, bacon for me, bacon for you..."). David was a dog lover his entire life and spoke with great fondness about all of his four-footed companions including Chickie, Chandalar, Casey, Tye, Rusty, Bridgette and, of course, Mattie. He loved games and fostered multiple unique friendships over a chess board, a hand of gin rummy and a table of poker chips sitting on a royal flush.

David had eclectic interests including square dancing with local clubs (The Roadrunners, Dudes and Dolls, Levis and Lace, Shirts and Skirts) as well as visiting many area, state and national clubs and conventions. He golfed regularly with his father Ralph while he was alive, as well as his wife Judy. While they played a number of regional courses, his favorite and most frequented were the Meadowlake and Phillips courses in Enid. David was a gifted archer and hunted with a bow and arrows for many years. Fishing was an important pastime and David continued that activity until his mobility no longer permitted. But David most particularly enjoyed visits with his granddaughter Delanie, his favorite performer, jokester and chess challenger.

David was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, father Ralph, daughter Sandra, brother Ralph "Chipper" Daniels, sister Enid "Tish" Hand, birthday twin Travis Ayers, best friend George Ragan and several faculty friends from LJHS. He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years Judy, daughter Dana (Richard) Ayers, son Drew (Jorgelina) Daniels, sister Betty (Venis) Hall and sister Sherri (Myron) Hancock, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring David's wishes, there will not be a public funeral or memorial service. A private inurnment will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stillwater Humane Society or the animal rescue of your choice.