Daniel Lawrence McCairns

Daniel Lawrence McCairns was born October 8th, 1935, to William McCairns and Elizabeth Taggart McCairns in St. Louis, MO. His parents, grandparents, and most of his aunts and uncles came to Eldorado, IL, from Scotland. He went to St. Mary’s Elementary School and Eldorado High School in Eldorado, IL.

At age 18 he moved to Houston, TX, and lived with his beloved aunt Margaret “Maggie” McCairns Griffith while attending the University of St. Thomas, where he graduated in 1958.

He started law school at the University of Houston in 1958, and after one year moved to Washington D.C., where he worked for the FBI for about 6 months.

In January 1959 he joined the Air Force and was with the Air Force Reserves until January 1980, when he retired as a Major.

In 1960, he returned to Houston to resume law school at University of Houston and graduated in 1965.

In November of 1961, he married Carolyn Carbajal McCairns, and they had 2 children, Daniel William McCairns and Sandra Marie McCairns (Atwood).

He is survived by his two children and their spouses (Andria McCairns and Mitchell Atwood) and six grandchildren: Meghan McCairns Machiorlette (Max), William Luis McCairns, Walker Daniel McCairns, Lachlan Elizabeth Atwood, Lauren Taggart Atwood, Carrigan Eleanor Atwood, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Aunt Margaret “Maggie” Griffith and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dan was a member of the Bar Association, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and The Knights of Columbus, where he was 4th degree and a Grand Knight.

He spent many years in his law practice defending the youth. He spent 6 years in the District Attorney’s office after law school.

He loved his children, grandchildren, and his dog Maggie.

He spent many years working on his country home and raising his beloved cows.

Mass and visitation will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Donations may be made to the following:

Queen of the Holy Rosary Building Fund

936 FM 2436

La Grange, TX 78945-5523

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

1162 2nd St.

Eldorado, IL 62930

Ph. 618-273-6947