Daniel Carrillo Valenzuela AUSTIN, TEXAS Reyes Daniel

Daniel Carrillo Valenzuela AUSTIN, TEXAS Reyes Daniel Carrillo Valenzuela passed away on Wednesday evening, June 17th at his home in Austin, Texas. Surrounded in love by his family, he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 83 years young. Daniel was the third child born to Juan Valenzuela and Socorro Carrillo Acosta in Fort Stockton, Texas on January 6th, 1943. His large, extended family included 14 siblings. As a distinguished member of the Class of 1962 at Fort Stockton High School, he was President of the Spanish Club, the sophomore class officer, a running back for the football team, and co - captain of the track team for two years. Although it was on the track where Daniel found a great deal of success, he spoke often about his greatest memory of high school was the Christmas dance in 1959 where he met his future wife, Mary Ann. His achievements on the track are still considered by many to be legendary, earning countless medals and team championships at track meets across Texas. His hard work and dedication paid off as part of the Class AA State Track and Field Championship team in 1962, by competing in several events and helping the team win the championship by a margin of 16 team points, while Daniel earned 19 individual points in that effort. His individual time of 49.2 seconds in the 440 - yard dash remained a school record for almost three decades. He also ran the final lap of the mile relay coming in second, as well as breaking the state record with 42.4 seconds as part of the 440 - yard relay team. Many of his teammates remained in touch throughout the years sharing the wonderful memories of their time together. That success on the track put him on the path of a lifelong pursuit of education and the love of learning. Daniel was recruited by legendary coach Grant Teaff to attend McMurry College on a full track scholarship. Never taking this opportunity for granted, he traveled the country as part of the track team while earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Business Administration. A short five years later in 1971, Daniel earned a Masters degree in Counseling from Sul Ross State University while helping to raise a young family and being employed by ECISD in Odessa, TX. He continued his pursuit of knowledge by completing course requirements for a Masters degree in Education Administration at the University of Texas at the Permian Basin. Not only did he value education for himself, but he also served 36 years in the school district as coach, teacher and guidance counselor at (then) Ector High School and Odessa High School and served generations of students. Daniel also helped future educators on their journeys by administering the exams for those seeking their teaching certifications. Daniel retired from the school district in 2002. The love of learning extended well beyond the classroom. Daniel taught himself construction, finish carpentry, masonry, electrical and plumbing systems, and welding to design and build the family home in Odessa. He was always heavily involved in several projects at home in Odessa and Austin and was always willing to travel to help with any projects at his children's homes. This instilled in his family the value of hard work and the love of curiosity. He was truly an amazing role model for his children and grandchildren. Although Daniel took great pride in his profession as an educator, what gave him the greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband and a dependable father with sincerity and loyalty to all those around him. His humility and humor will forever be cherished. The Valenzuela family would like to thank everyone for your visits, your care, your love and your continued prayers for all those who will miss him. A special thank you is extended to Daniel's pallbearers - Andrew Swonke, Daniel C. Valenzuela II, Ethan Valenzuela, Carlos Swonke, Frank Valenzuela, and Nobel Acosta. Daniel leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Ann, and their children - Annette Valenzuela of Cedar Hill, Texas, Liza Valenzuela and husband Carlos Swonke, Dan - Rene Valenzuela and wife Beth, and Michael Valenzuela, all of Austin, Texas. His legacy continues through his seven grandchildren, Dr. Cullen Richardson, Ethan Valenzuela, Olivia Swonke, Ashtyn Valenzuela, Daniel C. Valenzuela II, Gianna Valenzuela, and Andrew Swonke.