Dan L. Eley, ( Butch) Jr's Obituary
Dan L. Eley, Jr. (Butch) was born in Los Angeles, California on September 11, 1947. He ascended to the Abha Kingdom on November 12, 2024.Dan is survived by his wife, Laurie, his son, Mark, and his 2 sisters, Patsy Raybin and Mary Helen Eley. He was raised by his Irish Catholic mother (Rita) and his Protestant father (Dan, Sr.) He learned to be an electrician from his father whom worked in that field.
Dan attended Bishop Lynch High School here in Dallas, Texas. Then went on to El Centro College, where he played Hamlet. Meanwhile, he worked at Proctor and Gamble. Dan also danced with the Krassovska Ballet Jeunese and met his future wife, Laurie, there. But, eventually, Dan fell in love with the lighting and technical side of the theater, becoming a Lighting Designer and Stage Technician. He worked many years at SMU McFarlin Auditorium and more recently freelanced.
Dan also worked with his wife, a wire jewelry artist, using his lapidary skills and did flint knapping. Dan was always a very active member of the community. He volunteered with the Dallas Gem and Mineral Society, the Dallas Paleontological Society, the SMU Paleo Lab, and AA. At one time, he even taught some pre-school at the Native American Center. Of course, he was in charge of play time and nap time.
Dan became close to the Native American community and loved his Kiowa family. Dan always searched for the truth. He was an avid reader, always wanting to learn new things. He declared as a member of the Baha’i Faith in 1971 and served the Baha’i community in many ways. Dan had his ups and downs over the years, but was always a kind and loving husband, father and friend. He believed that a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet.
Funeral services will be held at Restland Cemetery, Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. It will be a 12 noon Graveside Service in the Courts of Serenity.
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