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
Cal and Kay Muller
06/17/2012
Barb, Megan, Andy and families.
It is with sadness that we all are trying to deal with Dan's untimely death. Please know that we are mourning with you. Today, being Father's Day could not be more appropriate as we know he will be remembered as a good father and husband. He must have been a great Grandpa! He was always fun to be around and sure kept things lively in the Social Studies Department at Humboldt High School. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bob & Lynetta (Erixon) Bair
06/17/2012
It is with great sadness that Lynetta and I learned of Dan's untimely death. We both have very fond memories of Dan from early childhood (Lynetta) and junior high (Bob) throughout our years at West Harrison. We have read the many poignant tributes to Dan and understand how he touched so many people throughout his career. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire McClannahan family.
Anita Leveke - Hoover swim coach
06/17/2012
Dear McClannahan family,
I never met you but feel like I know you. Dan spoke of you often and with such great pride. He was more than just an A.D. for me, he was mentor and friend. Many times I would walk in and sit down in Dan's office needing advice or a pep talk and he always delivered, usually with a story of his own in a similar situation. You would think that a guy with all of his football background would've been all about football... but he was all about EVERY activity and was so supportive of each coach and sponsor. He cared about us, our programs, the kids, the school, and would help out in any way he could. Believe me I appreciated that more than he could ever know. Even after he left Hoover I would find him in his office at Central and have a good talk... always left feeling great. It's been said that you might not remember what someone said or what they did, but you will always remember how they made you feel... Dan's gift was that he brought out the best in everyone and made them feel special and important. RIP friend. You will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you.
Rich Bygness
06/17/2012
Barb, Megan and Andy,
I will always remember the support and encouragement Dan gave me as I was beginning my early years as the Varsity volleyball coach at Humboldt. I remember after a match at Storm Lake when Megan was a jr. and we had just lost the match--Dan came over to me and said "They're coming along--you'll get them there." Dan's positive attitude was an inspiration to me. Megan--You brought such a great attitude, work ethic and leadership to practice every day. I truly believe that your dad inspired you to help us begin the way to success we had when you played for me and carried on after you graduated. Thank you Dan for your support and encouragement. You were an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know you. It is somehow fitting that this is Father's Day because I think that is one of your greatest accomplishments--to raise your kids to carry on your caring, encouraging, and sincere compassion to everyone you knew.
Barb, Megan and Andy, may you be comforted knowing that your husband and father inspired everyone he knew to become better persons because of him.
Most sincerely,
Rich
Gary
06/17/2012
Dear Barb, Megan, Andy and Family
It is with deep personal sadness that on this Father's Day I write this note of condolence.
I will miss Dan. He was a good friend with a heart of gold, a co-worker, a professional at his trade, a good coach, a great story teller, a fun fishing partner but above all, he was a super father. There was never a time in conversation with Dan that he didn't talk about his family. They were his greatest joy and in my mind and I suspect his, the most significant achievement of his life.
So it is on this Father's day we honor a man whose life was all about family and children. Good work Brother Dan on helping to make this world a better place.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Gary
jerry basye
06/17/2012
to Dan's family and friends:
i send my thoughts and prayers. know that this was a life well lived. Dan moved to Humboldt the fall i moved away but got to meet and know him several times. he was so well loved and respected. 2nd Timothy 4:6-8.
Tamela Hatcher
06/17/2012
Dan was a wonderful mentor to his coaches and their families. He will be missed.
Melanie Noack Ewalt HHS '84
06/17/2012
My thoughts are prayers are with you all. He was such a great teacher and coach. I will never forget the District track meet, cold windy and a old classmate, now on an aposing team and bent on beating me in the open 400. Just before my race Dan motioned for me to come to the fence where he was standing watching the look on my face and simply asked. So, what are you going to do about it? I just said, well, she isn't going to beat me! He chuckled and just said ok then. All I knew was I won the race, later he chuckled again and said, "you do know what you just did don't you"? You just qualified for state! He always had such a way on inspiring everyone. He will be greatly missed!
Deanna Stein Myers HHS '89
06/16/2012
Thoughts and prayers to the many family, friends, former students and colleagues of Mr. McClannahan. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a kind man that really cared for his students. I had him for a History teacher and for a track coach. Thanks for all you taught me Coach. God be with you all and grant you comfort and peace.
Kristi Bruvik Lindhorst HHS '84
06/16/2012
My thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great teacher that I was proud to say I had. What a loss for everyone that has known him.
Lisa McNeil (McElrath) HHS 81
06/16/2012
A wonderful person and a great friend to our family. Dan McClannahan.....God Speed & Rest in Peace.
Julie Grause Hendricks HHS Class of 84
06/16/2012
Mr McClannahan was a great teacher who was a great influence on my life. Thanks for touching my life. My prayers are with you all.
Randy Greene '98
06/16/2012
Andy and family sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a great man that will be missed and we should all strive to be more like he was.
Kent Mick
06/16/2012
I remember you lining us up for "Dirty Thirties" at practice and trying to think of different things to make us do while we ran. I saw you laugh many times as we did wheelbarrows, or piggyback rides in full pads! I hope I impact my students the way you impacted me. You are missed.
Jay Smith
06/16/2012
Coach McClannahan had that rare ability to make one feel as if they were an integral part of the team. (Whether they were or not) He was a special person that could see the big picture in life and we can honor him and ourselves by doing the same. God Bless!