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
Vicky Smith-Coleman
06/16/2012
He was my teacher in History in 1980. He was my favorite! He will be missed! All my thoughts and prayers go out to your family! He inspired a lot of students!
Lynn McElrath
06/16/2012
Barb, Megan and Andy - I was extremely saddened to hear of Dan's passing - a truly great husband, father and friend to many. I will always remember Dan as one of those rare individuals whose personality, upon entering a room, would absolutely fill that room with amazing, positive energy and leave you feeling the same way. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers, along with the thoughts and prayers of many others are with you and your family.
Rhonda Vinsand
06/16/2012
Barb and family - I am so sorry for your loss. It is a difficult time and I truly understand your grief. Remember all the good times our kids have had and how proud we are as parents and grandparents. In our thoughts and prayers......
Barbara Thompson
06/16/2012
Barb and family, I am very, very sorry for your loss. Dan was the love of your life and touched so many lives. I pray for comfort and peace for all of you.
Dave and Deb Beaty
06/16/2012
Barb and family, we were shocked and saddened to hear about Dan. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Dan's fun loving spirit and his love for his friends and family is something that will carry on in all of us. We pray for the comfort you will need and that your fond memories of Dan will soon help heal and lift the heaviness on your hearts. Love to you all.
Jim Schipull
06/16/2012
Barb and family: I was so saddened and shocked to learn of Dan's passing. He was a great friend and teammate while we were at Morningside. Although I hadn't seen Dan for quite awhile, his passion for everything he did will always stick out in my mind. He was a great person and his loss will affect many people. Prayers and thoughts go out to your whole family.
Jane Mild
06/16/2012
Barb and family, I'm so very sorry to hear about the death of your husband and father. While I had never met him, I know that he brought you strength and joy each and every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ty Sleiter, Humboldt - '96
06/15/2012
Next to parents and family, Coach McClanahan has probably been one of the most influential people in my life to this point. Early on most of it had to do with Humboldt Football, the players that came before me who I looked up to so much, and the larger than life 'Coach' who led them all. When I was old enough to have the opportunity to play for Coach McClanahan, it was like a dream come true. As I look back on it now, I have to laugh (and I know Coach would too) when I think about how truly 'big' it was at the time. Probably the biggest surprise to me was that even though he was supposedly 'larger than life,' he was extremely down to earth, humble, and approachable.
I had a special relationship with Coach McClanahan, and I always thought that mine was maybe a little more than everyone else's. The funny thing is, that in the last few days, I have heard from and read tributes from numerous guys that thought the same thing. That is what was so special about Dan McClanahan. He made everyone feel extremely important. Coach McClanahan really was 'larger than life.' He always will be. I could go on and on and on, and I know that just about every player that played for him, and every student that sat in his classroom, could do the same. One of my former teamates told me today that one of his best memories of going to HHS and being a Wildcat was when Coach McClanahan told him that 'he really liked the way he played.' This guy wasn't all state, all district, all conference, or even a starter; but Coach McClanahan made him feel like he was all of those things. Regrettably, I hadn't seen or talked to Coach for a few years, though I heard that he was doing well. Coach McClanahan was a success as a coach, a teacher, and an administrator, but his legacy will be in the relationships that he built. I know that I speak for many when I say that his friendship, mentorship, and leadership will not be soon forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the McClanahan Family.
Ginger Parson-McGill
06/15/2012
I only worked with Dan as the Hoover Girls Soccer Coach for a few years. I have to say he was such an amazingly understanding person who always put the kids first. I am sorry to see him leave this earth way too soon. Truely sorry for your loss.
John and Payton Young
06/15/2012
You were a good teacher and so funny. We loved you so much!
Holly Curran Lyons
06/15/2012
God has gained a good man. But he already knew that. We are saddened to hear of the loss of him and for your pain
.
Rachel Gord McElroy HHS '95
06/15/2012
Deepest sympathy to all of you. May Gods love comfort you all. I have nothing but wonderful memories..will always remember the stories
Bob and Ruth Sanders
06/15/2012
We are saddened to hear of Dan's passing. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you, Barb, and your kids. We were fortunate to know Dan, and to have him coach and teach all three of ours. He was a wonderful gentleman, and role model. He will be missed.
Kristy (Arnold) Smith = HHS '91
06/15/2012
So sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher, coach and a positive role model to many. May God comfort all of you.
Stephanie (Paeper) Ellis -'87
06/15/2012
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are being sent to u and your families.