Donald Eugene “Pinky” Daniels, 87, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (January 24, 2012) at Boone Hospital & Clinics in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of George William and Bertha Ethel (Burchett) Daniels, he was born July 30, 1924 in Kirksville, Missouri. On September 21, 1946 in Troy, Kansas, Pinky was united in marriage to Clara Dee Jones.

Pinky is survived by the love of his life, Clara; two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Kathy Daniels of Novinger, MO and David and Barbara Jo Daniels of Kirksville, MO; two daughters and a son-in-law, Dixie Glasgow of Kirksville, MO and Kathy and Mike Bradley of Kirksville, MO; eight grandchildren, Kimberly Mathes, Tracie Williams, Thad Daniels, Ryan Bradley, Christopher Bradley, Dustin Daniels, Derek Daniels and Tyler Daniels; twelve great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John E. Daniels; three sisters, Mildred Steele, Lola Riley and Maragurite Daniels and one grandson, Kayle Elmore.

Pinky was a lifelong resident of Novinger, graduating from Novinger R-I High School with the Class of 1941. In 1942, he enlisted into the United States Navy and held the highest rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class, receiving 3 Asiatic-Pacific stars, 7 gold Air Medal stars, 1 gold Distinguished Flying Cross star, 3 Air Crew Wings stars a Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged in 1946. He then returned home and began attending Northeast Missouri State University where he received a BS Degree in Business Education in August of 1953 and his MA Degree in City School Administration in August of 1956. From 1962 to 1987, Pinky served as Superintendent at Grundy County R-V and Adair County R-I, until his retirement. Before serving as Superintendent, Pinky taught Business Administration and was regarded as one of the finest teachers.

Pinky enjoyed fishing, reading, and wood working after his retirement. He built the family home in 1958 where he raised his family and resided at the time of his death. Pinky was a very devoted husband, proud father and grandfather who never missed a birthday and cherished having his family home every Christmas.

Pinky was a member of the Novinger Lions Club, Treasurer of Novinger Housing and attended the Novinger Baptist Church.

Public visitation will be held Saturday (January 28, 2012) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday (January 29, 2012) at Novinger R-I High School. Interment with military rites will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Thad Daniels, Ryan Bradley, Christopher Bradley, Dustin Daniels, Derek Daniels, Tyler Daniels and Brody Mathes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donald “Pinky” Daniels Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.