Daniel Merrill Hughes

Daniel Hughes, 61, known lovingly as Dan or Danny, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2026. He was born on February 6, 1964, in Houston, Texas. He graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1983 and later earned a business degree from Kansas State University (KSU). He was one of the kindest men you could ever meet, an old soul, wise beyond his years, whose presence made people feel steadier, seen, and more themselves. His mother, Patti, always knew it. She said Dan was born an old soul, carrying a depth of understanding and maturity that could not be taught.

He loved everyone, truly loved them, and believed that life was never about the self, but about every life you touch, and the care with which you touch it. He listened deeply, asked meaningful questions, and made others feel valued. He loved a good story and gave people the rare gift of feeling fully heard.

As a college football athlete, Dan was blazing fast, a sprinter whose speed left a mark. Even then, he was remembered not just for how quickly he ran, but for how he showed up: steady, supportive, and fully committed to the team. No matter where life took him, Dan was always the same funny, easygoing, precise, patient, and simply amazing. He lived with intention and integrity, always choosing kindness, and through his countless contributions, many unseen, all meaningful.

Professionally, Dan was a founding partner, chairman, board member, impact advisor, investor, and social entrepreneur. Dan devoted his life to bringing global innovation, investing, and influence capital together to drive meaningful change. His passion was connecting good people, aligning hearts, minds, and purpose to create social impact and lasting good. He was a strategic genius, known for seeing possibilities where others saw obstacles. Yet what made Dan extraordinary was not only his vision but his belief in people. He saw the good in everyone and had an extraordinary ability to draw out the very best in those around him. His focus was always clear, always true: invest in people, invest in progress, invest to make positive change. Dan made the world a better place simply by being in it. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the people he believed in, and the good that will continue impacting others because of him.

To love Dan was to know generosity, patience, and unwavering belief. He was my husband, my safe place, and my greatest gift. Loving him changed me, and being in his life was one of the greatest blessings I could have ever known. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Herb Hughes. He is survived by his loving wife, Jannette Hughes; his mother, Patricia; brother John; and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on February 21, 2026, at 10 AM at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home located at 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX 75019. We welcome your presence and cherished memories as we honor Dan’s legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family warmly invites donations in memory of Dan Hughes to the Heart Rhythm Society, a cause he cared about deeply. Donations may be made at https://www.hrsonline.org/about-hrs/ } and/or https://www.hrsonline.org/about-hrs/donate / please select “In Honor” or “In Memory” and include Daniel Hughes’ name to celebrate his life and legacy.