Daniel James Atwood

Daniel James Atwood was born July 23, 1944, in Wheeler, Texas, to Walter J. “Sox” and Louise Madell Rogers Atwood.

Dan was raised on the Britt and Stiles Ranches with his siblings, Lanelle “Nelle” (1940), Roger (1942), and Carol (1948). They attended Kelton School. Life was not easy for the Atwood children. In 1950, they lost their mother and infant brother, Tomie, during childbirth. There was discussion about separating the children or placing them in an orphanage, but their paternal grandparents, Tom and Florence Atwood, stepped in and helped raise them. Their oldest sister, Nelle, also took on much responsibility at just 10 years old. The siblings grew up very close and carried that bond throughout their lives.

Rosalee Shirey became their stepmother in 1958 and brought her three children into the family—Nancy (1949), Roy Don (1953), and JC (1955). Together, they created many fond memories.

Dan married Barbara Couch in June 1962. They welcomed three children: Lisa Diann (1968), William Ray (1972), and Darla Kay (1974).

He was the best dad and always welcomed any friends his kids brought home. One special friend, Gina Mason, became one of his own. Darla and Gina were best friends in high school, and after Gina lost her parents, she lived with Dan and Darla.

Dan grew up working in filling stations, then went on to work ranch jobs, most notably the Duke Ranch south of Booker, Texas. He was working on the Duke Ranch when Lisa and William were born. He later worked at a ranch in Gruver, Texas when Darla was born before eventually returning to Duke Ranch. In 1979, the Atwood family moved to Gate, Oklahoma, where he worked for Bob Bond as a contract pumper before beginning his 30+ years with Beaver County.

Dan was known for having three or four part-time jobs at once, in addition to his county position, always doing whatever it took to make ends meet. He was a hard worker and took great pride in his work. Running the road grader and keeping the roads “in shape” was important to him. Dan retired in 2016 but continued working part-time for several years. Once he began collecting Social Security while still working part-time, he finally had a little money in the bank for the first time in his life—and he was proud of that.

Homemade ice cream was something he loved since childhood, his favorite being strawberry-banana. That is all he ever wanted for birthdays, Father’s Day, or any other occasion. He was known to make a freezer full and take it to county get-togethers. He could also grill the best BBQ pork chops. His grandson Cody especially loved a “Grandpa Dan pork chop.”

Cody, being the tender-hearted person he was, loved his Grandpa Dan and his Aunt Mary Pugh. Knowing they were both a little lonesome, he brought them together for morning coffee and games of cards or dominoes. Dan did not really care for games, but he loved the time spent with Aunt Mary. They enjoyed telling stories of old times and growing up.

Dan entered the Beaver County Nursing Home in July 2025 due to declining health and remained there until his passing on April 14, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother; sisters Lanelle Wyatt and Carol Preston; brothers JC Brooks and Roy Don Chick; grandson Cody Gregory; bonus daughter Gina Mason Mills; his paternal grandparents; and his maternal grandparents, Frank and Helen Rogers.

He is survived by his children: Lisa and Guy Bennett of Minco, Oklahoma; William and Grace Atwood of Rochester, Washington; and Darla Mills and partner Todd DeWitt of Beaver. He is also survived by his brother Roger Atwood of Alvord, Texas; sister Nancy Brown of Mountain View, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Jack Wyatt of Chama, New Mexico; and sisters-in-law Dixie Chick of Wheeler, Texas, and Patty Brooks of Shamrock, Texas.

His grandchildren, who all believed he was the most kind and loving man, include Shaye Gregory Bias and husband Evan; Dean Catloth; Jessica Atwood and partner Scott; Kayla Atwood; MykaChea Ann Mills Mooney; Bobby Joe Mills and wife Shanon; Rustin Mills and wife Faith; Kyli Mills; and Jaydon Mills Cronister and husband David.

He is also survived by his 14 great-grandchildren: Kynzlee, Anberlin, Ryker, Rylee, Hollis, Cinch, Granger, Ella, Tripp, Lainey, Haylyn, Cutter, Sam, and Scottlyn, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dan was a common, simple man. He never liked conflict or wanted to cause anyone problems. He left this world the same way he lived—quietly and peacefully. His children and loved ones were with him in his final days, but in a way that was just like him, he and the Good Lord saw to it that he passed during the brief five minutes Lisa stepped away. He was taking care of his kids right up to the very end.

Rest in peace, Grandpa Dan. You are loved dearly and will be greatly missed. There was no greater man or Dad.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Alan Clark Funeral Services. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler, Texas.