Daniel J. McClannahan
June 14, 2012
Daniel John McClannahan, 61, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center from heart failure. He was born August 9, 1950, to Gene and Joyce McClannahan in Logan, Iowa.
Daniel graduated from West Harrison High School in Mondamin, and earned his bachelor of science in physical education with a minor in economics from Morningside College in Sioux City. In the summer of 1972, he signed as a free agent for the New England Patriots and later began his long career as a football coach. Daniel was an assistant football coach for Morningside College and then for Cherokee Washington High School. Daniel found his home at Humboldt High School where he became the head coach and taught for 20 years. In 1999, he moved to Des Moines where he became the athletic director for Hoover High School. In 2010, Daniel began his new endeavor as the Wellness Center Coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools.
Daniel had an ambitious and distinguished career. He took his teams to the Iowa High School 3A Football playoffs six times and won the North Central Conference three times. He was a current member of the Iowa Football Coaches Association Board of Directors, former President of the Iowa Football Coaches Association, assistant and head coach for the Iowa Shrine Football Game in 1991 and 1997, and current board member of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association. In 1998, Daniel was inducted into the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Service Award for the Iowa Football Coaches Association in 2011.
Daniel will be remembered for his life off the field as well. He enjoyed teaching social studies and spending time with his family at the lake. Daniel was a member of the United Methodist Church, currently attending Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a self-motivated and dedicated man to his profession, his faith, and his family.
Daniel is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; children, Megan (James) Abens and Andrew (Ana) McClannahan; grandchildren; Alexander, Dalia, Adeline, Elizabeth, and Manny; parents, Gene and Joyce McClannahan; brother, Don (Pam) McClannahan; sisters, Gleean (Don) Coates and Gena (Kevin) Gwin; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 18, 2012, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3600 75th Street in Urbandale. A visitation will be held 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 17, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Per his wishes, his body has been cremated prior to visitation and services.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family to be designated at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
M. Johnson
06/18/2012
May prayer and the reading of the Bible, God's Word, be a source of inner strength to know that there's a loving God watching over you, and, that, throughout this time of need, He'll stay close by your side to guide you and support you.( Isaiah 55:22; John 5:28,29)
Joel Frost, Humboldt Teacher 1982-1986
06/18/2012
Barb, Megan & Andy
I am very saddened to learn of Dan's passing. I remember as a lst year teacher moving to Humboldt in 1982, Dan was one of the veteran teachers to step up and welcome the "new guy" to school. I have very good memories of Dan; card "food' club, pickup BB games,(where he set great picks) spotting for FB games,a golf game or 2, and visiting Dan and Randy, on their lunch break during their summer house painting gig. I know he will be missed. May God bless and keep watch over you Barb and all of your family during this most difficult time.
Dean and Linda Clasen
06/18/2012
Barb, Andy & Meagan,
We were truly surprised to hear of Dan's passing. You guys were one of the first couples we met when we moved to Humboldt 23 years ago. You made us feel welcome to the community. It was nice to have Meagan for a babysitter for Evan and Deanna. They are now 26 & 23.
You have our sympathy and prayers.
Lonny & Barb Cummins
06/18/2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our family always admired Dan for the positive role model that he was. Nick spent alot of time at your home and we always knew he was in good hands. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.
Brian Maloney
06/18/2012
Barb and family,
I am sorry to hear of your unexpected loss. Losing a husband and father at any age is difficult but especially so when things happen unexpectedly. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Dan Pardock
06/18/2012
Dan was a terrific friend and mentor to me when I was coaching football and soccer at Hoover. He was dedicated to the success of his coaches and students, and never failed to have a kind word or pat on the back for you. His door was always open for everyone no matter how busy he was. The world was better thanks to Dan.
Marcy Davis
06/18/2012
May the Peace that passes all understanding comfort you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Carol (Hoff) Beebe
06/18/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the McClannahan families at this time. May the memories of Dan comfort you in the days to come.
Tony Hubbard Class of 1990 HHS
06/18/2012
Thank you Coach McClannahan. I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by you for 2 years. Although that 2 years was a short time in life, you taught me so much about becoming a man. Your compassion towards coaching, teaching and most of all, life, has taught me so much. Although large in stature, you were such a gentle and caring human being and you will be missed dearly. You've made such an impact on thousands of kids an adults. You were and always will be an amazing man in God! Dan was truly one of God's chosen ones on this planet. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and family, today and always.
Brad Hellickson
06/18/2012
Today brought back a lot of fond memories of playing for coach. The one that sticks out the most was when I was a freshman. I recall swimming at the swimming pool and Chad Wempen asking me if I was ready for my first two-a-days. Well evidently I wasn't as I slept thru my alarm and missed my first practice. Being terrified that I had let Coach Mac down I convinced my mom to call in and say that my grandpa had broken his arm and that was the reason I had missed practice. When I showed up for the afternoon practice coach called me in to his office. He didn't scold me, or anything of the kind. He just said that he was glad my grandpa was doing ok. When I got home from my first practice my dad was curious why my uncle called him at work. Well you see, in between practices coach had called my uncle, not to check up on my story, but to see how my grandpa was doing. Of course coach found out my "story" wasn't true. He never mentioned this to me. I think he realized how excited/terrified I was for that day and just let it be and also he was just worried about my grandpa. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Just know that coach went in peace and he is in a better place.
Mike & Linda Cadwell
06/18/2012
Dan was such a Great Guy....As former Morningsiders, we remember his success on the Football field. He had much greater success with his family and his career and was a real asset to his community. He will be missed by all who knew him. God's Blessings to his family from grieving Morningsiders.
Jason Sanders
06/17/2012
I have so many lasting memories of Coach McClannahan that I will forever cherish. Memories that were made on the football field, in the classroom, in the weight room, and as a mentor/friend long after my playing days were gone. Many of these memories have caused smiles and laughter, while others have resulted in tears as I have reflected on Coach's life since I heard the devastating news.
One story that will always bring a smile to my face is the way that Coach consistently and unknowingly blocked my strategic efforts to gain access to a much-coveted, new Humboldt Football practice t-shirt. It was tradition that at the beginning of your senior season, each senior player was given a brand new, Champion t-shirt that could be kept at the conclusion of the year. My plan as a senior was to allow (cause) my new shirt to rip in one of the last few games as I wore it under my pads so that at seasons end, he would generously provide me with a new one to keep, one that had NOT been worn for the whole season. I shared my plan with Andy Pattee, a friend and fellow offensive lineman. During the season, I often expressed my disgust towards Pattee as he repeatedly relieved his nasal passages into his t-shirt during games (somewhat of an offensive line thing, I guess). When the season abruptly ended with a playoff loss, it was time for me to see my plan through and let Coach know about my 'ripped' t-shirt. My hope was that Coachs extreme kindness would result in a new one. I cautiously approached him, making my request. Without hesitation, he obliged and said no problem, you can just have Pattee's shirt! AWESOME!
Two summers later, I was in the HHS weight room preparing for my sophomore college football season. Since my last plan had been spoiled, I carefully coordinated plan B to get my NEW Humboldt Football t-shirt. I asked Coach as he was locking up for the night if he thought I could possibly 'buy' one of those t-shirts, which he was sporting at the time. This was THE shirt that I so badly desired. He said it would be no problem and that I would not need to buy one. He said ,as a matter of fact, I could just have this one. Right there, just the two of us, Coach took off his shirt and handed the very shirt he was wearing to me. AWESOME! I think I saw more of Coach McClannahan that night than I ever wanted as we walked out together. A compliment that I often hear of a great man is that he is willing to give you the shirt off his back. Well, Coach did just that... literally!
I learned so many things form Coach McClannahan. Honestly, so much of what I attempt to do today is a direct result of the way that he lived his life and what he taught me. As a football coach, I try so hard to love players the way that he loved us. I greatly admired the way that he always glowed as he talked of one of his current or former players. All the while, he always did his best to completely stay out of the spotlight. He refused to accept any credit for the young men that he was producing. He was one of the most humble men that I have ever known. He would NEVER talk about his success, his playing experience, or his NFL experience with us because that would cause the focus to be placed on him, making him uncomfortable. Coach was very successful in terms of wins and losses, and his Hall of Fame induction speaks to that. However, the legacy that he has left with all of his former players and students is what defines his life on this earth. He loved God. He loved his family. He loved football. Thank you Coach McClannahan for the legacy that you have left for us and for the example that you have set for us to follow. You are a class act, and I am SO honored to be able to have called you Coach. I am a better man today because God placed you in my life. Well done, good and faithful servant. Go in Peace!
Jay Rozeboom
06/17/2012
Dan McClannahan has a huge impact on my life. I was fortunate to serve as an assistant coach under him in the 1997 shrine bowl. We had a lot of laughs together. I will always remember his positive attitude, the great rapport he had with the other coaches and most important the athletes he coached. I will miss that big smile and the stories he always told. He left a great legacy for all coaches to follow. I will miss you Dan. To Barbara, Megan, and Andy, my thoughts and prayers and with you and my heart is heavy with grief.
Darlene Stirling
06/17/2012
It was shocking to learn of Dan's death. It was great being a member of the HHS faculty with Dan. He had such a positive influence in so many areas.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Connie Ehlers
06/17/2012
My sincere sympathy to Barb and family. Words cannot adequately express how shocked I was to read of Dan's passing and my immediate thoughts of you at this time. May God comfort and keep you, may Jesus hold you as you cry, and may the Holy Spirit sustain you and give you hope. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that precious memories are of comfort now and for years to come.