Perry Daniel

Oct. 3, 1938 - May 17, 2022

PERRY EUGENE DANIEL Having navigated a period of illness with his characteristic strength and calm, Perry Daniel passed away at the age of 83 on May 17, 2022. He did so as he wished; in peace, comfortable at home beside his wife of 62 years, Barbara. He spent the final moments of his life well, sharing with her a last declaration of his love. Perry was born on October 3rd, 1938, in the hilly farmland of Johnson County, KY, the only child to Perry and Ruth Daniel. Though the family moved to Arizona when he was 10, he remained a country boy in spirit, fondly remembering his roots on the farm and his many extended family members in Kentucky and beyond. He was fittingly nicknamed “Pal” by his father, who passed away when Perry was just 16. It was Perry’s way at that early age and for the rest of his life to responsibly endure no matter what; accountable, steady, durable and the model of an old-fashioned work ethic. During high school, while also working to help support his mother, he demonstrated remarkable scholastic and musical abilities. Widely recognized as an award-winning trumpet and accordion player, he also loved attending summer music camps in Flagstaff, AZ. He excelled academically, graduating from Sunnyslope High School in 1957 as Salutatorian, then attending Kansas University with a Navy ROTC scholarship. Without a doubt, Perry would say that meeting high school classmate and future wife, Barbara Fuqua, was the moment of greatest fortune in life. Perry and Barbara married on October 6, 1959, in Phoenix, AZ and for over 62 years lived life as one. They eventually had three kids, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Perry was a Christian man who loved Jesus and served in churches throughout his life as an elder, teacher, mentor, and music leader. He passed away with unquestioning faith that his best life was yet to come, immersed in God’s love, healthy and new, for eternal worship in Heaven. Perry’s early career was proudly spent as an officer with Phoenix Police Department. His career path eventually led him to Allstate Insurance, where he worked until retiring at age 55. After retirement, he and Barbara enjoyed travel, especially long road trips in the Sierra Nevada, while listening to music, exploring small towns, and experiencing solitude of nature. They lived in the Ozark mountains on a beautiful lake with a boat, in a small Washington town where they restored a Victorian home, and eventually returned to Arizona. Perry’s brand was steadiness, capability, and calm in abundance, such that his family lived with the comfort of knowing that any challenge could be overcome because he was at their side. He wasn’t terribly funny, but he loved to laugh. He loved auto racing, especially the Indy 500 and dirt track sprint cars. Nobody kept a more meticulous lawn, better organized a closet, or more efficiently packed a car trunk for a road trip. He loved a good nap and foot rubs. Friends and family may remember him by the scent of Brut aftershave. He enjoyed listening to music, including Bert Kaempfert, Martin Denny, The Kingston Trio, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. Always a reader, he was at home in the western stories of Louis L'Amour. The congregation sang louder when he led “How Great Thou Art” in church. He was Mr. Daniel, Perry, dad, granddad, son, Perry Eugene, PD, Pal, Captain Funbucks and Officer Daniel. He had few friends but the ones he had were oh-so-good and he was remarkably loyal in return. He was a son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Perry will be sadly missed. Yet, for all the things he was to so many people, we are grateful. For all the things he will continue be in the hearts of his family, we are at peace. For knowing that he is now and forever truly home, we are overjoyed.