The family of the Parade Marshalls for Homecoming 2023 has a very long and extensive history with Itasca Independent School District. We are very honored to have some of this wonderful family represent our beloved school at this year’s Itasca Homecoming Parade.
Clarence and Ollie Daniel lived on a farm nine miles east of Itasca and three miles off FM 934. There, they raised 13 children. The one thing that was most important to them was for their children to have an education.
Thankfully, Itasca ISD ran school buses that far out of town. The older siblings had to walk the three miles to the main road to catch the bus. The younger ones were more fortunate. The bus came closer to the farm, but they still walked about half a mile to the bus stop.
The first Daniel sibling graduated from Itasca High School in 1938, with other siblings graduating approximately every two years, until the youngest graduated in 1967.
By 1965, the health of Clarence Daniel was quickly declining, so as their twelfth child walked across the stage to accept her high school diploma, these wonderful parents were recognized by Itasca Independent School District. The youngest graduated two years later.
The legacy of Clarence and Ollie Daniel carried on with Itasca ISD. Over the next 56 years, five generations of this wonderful family would be involved with the school district as students and employees. Ollie, known as Grandma Daniel to many, worked in the school cafeteria from 1966-1976. She was well known for her peanut butter cookies and hot rolls.
Other family members, some being graduates of Itasca ISD, also became employees. They include:
Son: William Daniel (1983-1996)
Daughter-in-laws: Linda Daniel (1983-1996) and Kathryn Daniel (1982-1983)
Granddaughter: Susan Bason (1984-1990, and presently on the school board.)
Great Granddaughters: Kelly Bason Tinklenberg (2004-2019) and Kristi Bason Sargent (2004-present) and Melony Cole Kirkpatrick paraprofessional (97-98).
The sixth generation of the family of Clarence and Ollie Daniel started first grade this year at Itasca Independent School District.
We are honored to have this family represent our Ex-Students and school at Homecoming 2023. Our Parade Marshalls for 2023 are Sylvia Daniel Wallace (class of 1955), Inez Daniel Kerby (class of 1957), Linda Daniel (wife of William Daniel) (class of 1963), Edith Daniel Minor (class of 1965), and Patricia Daniel McClendon (class of 1967).
