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DANIELS -- Jack (John W.) Daniels died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 3, 2003. Born October 31, 1923, he was the last of four children born to Bob and Adele Daniels. His father moved their family to Hobbs, N.M. in 1937during the oil boom years and in 1937 founded Bob Daniels & Sons, Inc. Jack graduated from Hobbs High School in 1941 and was a life long Hobbs Eagle in the grandest sense. He then attended New Mexico Military Institute where he graduated in 1943. He joined the U. S. Navy and served in WWII from 1944-1946 aboard the USS Walton. Along side his parents and brother, he built Daniels Insurance, Inc. into a strong family business and later purchased the First National Bank of Lea County. He enjoyed a life of public service which began as a member of the Hobbs Water Board where he served for 20 years. He served as President of many organizations including the Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, NM Amigos, NM Independent Insurance Agents, NM Bankers Association. He was a member of the New Mexico Military Hall of Fame and until recently served on the NMMI Foundation Board. He was appointed by Governor Jack Campbell to the State Investment Council in 1963 and later became a NM State Representative and chaired the House Education Committee. In 1970 he was a primary candidate for Governor losing to his good Friend Governor Bruce King. In 1972 he was the Democratic nominee for the U. S. Senate losing by a narrow margin to now Senator Pete V. Domenici. Most recently he served as the founding chairman of the Daniels Fund, a legacy left by his brother, Bill Daniels. Jack will be remembered as a warm, fun, loving, and determined father, husband, son, brother, uncle, grandpa, great- grandpa and friend. He taught us all to keep our sense of humor, honor our word, treat the janitor just like the CEO, and not to sweat the small stuff. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Peach), her children and grandchildren and his children's mother, Libby Donley. He felt fortunate to have watched his children grow and have their own families and careers. He is survived by his daughters Dana Reaud and husband Wayne, Lt. Governor Diane Denish and husband Herb, and his son Robert Guy Daniels. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Suzanne Schreiber and husband Tony Rittenberry, Sara Schreiber, F. Spencer Schreiber, Reagan Reaud, and Ryan Reaud for his attention to them and their lives. One of his last pleasures in life was to share the birth of his great granddaughter, Sadie Ray Rittenberry. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bobette and Dottie, and brother Bill Daniels.We are grateful for the love and care of the staff of The Cottages of Albuquerque, Dr. David Ewing, and Dr. Fred Kusimoto during the last few months. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. at French's Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE and on Monday, Sept. 8, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hobbs, NM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jack's favorite non-profits: College of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Community Foundation in Santa Fe, or the Jack Daniels Leadership Center at New Mexico Military Institute. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Sat September 06, 2003