Kenneth Wayne Daniel passed away on August 7, 2021. The second of three children, Wayne was born in Novice, Texas on January 19, 1934 to John B. and Opal Daniel. His childhood years took place in and around the small Texas towns of Novice, Spearman, and Hamlin.
At age 18 he contemplated ordained ministry in the Methodist church but decided he was as yet too inexperienced in life. He graduated from McMurry College in 1954. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Wayne attempted several careers before settling on librarianship. He moved to El Paso for the first time in 1966 but left shortly afterwards to pursue a master’s degree in library science at Florida State University. He returned to El Paso in 1970 as head of El Paso Public Library’s reference department. In 1979, Wayne moved to San Angelo and acquired an archivist job with Fort Concho Museum. He also worked for a while as archivist of the Hertzberg Circus Museum in San Antonio. In 1991, he returned for a third time to El Paso and the public library, where he was librarian of the Southwest collection and played a key role in the Border Voices literary project. Semi-retired, Wayne took a part-time librarian position at the Community College in 1997. Later, he became a founding member of Pax Christi El Paso, providing valuable services as co-editor of its monthly newsletter and chair of the film series committee. He was also active in the Restorative Justice ministry at St. Patrick Cathedral. Wayne cared for and touched the lives of several persons marginalized by society. In his last years he concerned himself with the process of social reentry for past inmates of jails and prisons. He led a spiritual life, was rather quiet and self-effacing, but underneath was full of whimsical humor. He enjoyed old movies, knew many songs and much poetry. His friendship and guidance are deeply missed.
Wayne is survived by his sisters Joyce Isenhour of Brownsburg, Indiana and Marisue Curbow of Houston, and several cousins, nephews, and nieces. May he know everlasting peace and joy in the presence of the Lord, in company with the angels and all his loved ones.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Luke Catholic Parish, 930 E. Redd Road, El Paso, Texas.
