Stephen Wayne Daniels 1971-2019
Stephen Wayne Daniels, 47, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 28, 2019 in Round Rock, Texas. Steve was born in Hamlin, Texas on Oct. 20, 1971 to Bert Wayne Daniels and Linda Louise Daniels.
Steve grew up and attended school in Jayton, Texas. As a member of such a small community, Steve cultivated many lifelong friendships. Steve also had the opportunity to be involved in many different events. He was a member of the 1989 Six-Man State Finalist football team, 1990 Regional Tournament-qualifying basketball team, 1990 All-Region band, as well as placing at District Competition at many UIL events.
Steve attended both the University of Texas and Texas Tech University. Education was important to Steve, and to model that for his children he was currently enrolled at Texas State University and was one credit short of his bachelor’s in applied science. He would have graduated this summer.
In August of 1990, Steve went to the University of Texas to begin classes. Steve arrived on campus with his friend Jennifer Shockley and her family. That November, they began dating and became inseparable.
Steve and Jennifer were married on Jan. 7, 1995 in Hamlin, Texas. For the next seven years Steve and Jennifer traveled. One trip had them landing in Rome on Sept. 11, 2001. Their return flight two weeks later was the first transatlantic flight for the crew. On this flight home, during a game of gin, Steve and Jennifer decided to have children.
On Aug. 13, 2002, Steve welcomed his twins, Geoffrey and Peyton Daniels, into the world. No children have ever been wanted or loved more. Steve was very involved in his children’s lives. Steve coached flag football, basketball and was the most fantastic math tutor. He attended all band concerts and theatre performances. He was always proud of both Peyton and Geoffrey and loved them endlessly.
Professionally, Steve held many positions in various IT and program management roles. Steve began working at ERCOT in February 2012. His most recent position was Vice President of Digital Services. Anyone who had the privilege of working with Steve has a deep appreciation for his keen intellect, his ability to communicate, his humor and his down-to-earth personality.
In the last year, Steve was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Although the treatment regimen was brutal and there were many side effects and setbacks, Steve faced this challenge head-on and with a positive outlook. Steve had beaten cancer and was cancer-free.
Steve was a beautiful soul who put others first. He was generous of his time and talents. He had an amazing intellect and could converse with you on any number of topics. Steve was a remarkable man and will be loved forever.
Steve is survived by his soulmate, Jennifer Shockley-Daniels; children Geoffrey and Peyton; adopted cousin Wayne Shockley and his fiancé, Lilli Lucero; his mother, Linda Daniels, and her husband, Randy Ervin (Jayton); sister Roxanne Graham and her husband, Robert (Jayton); Marlene Beck and husband Wayne (Snyder); uncle Keith Daniels (Jayton); nephew Jonathon Seaton and his fiancé, Lacey Dunlap; and Elizabeth (Jayton). After twenty four years of marriage, his in-laws were family. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Trudy Shockley (Austin); father-in-law, Bill Shockley (Granbury); sister-in-law, Cynthia O’Rourke, her husband, Kelly (Austin) and their children Cassi, Skye and Kaden; and brother-in-law, Layne Shockley and Rob Lip-man (Austin). He is also survived by his sweet puppies, Roxie and Finn.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Bert Daniels; grandmother, Thelma Stiewert; and uncles Zearl Galloway, Dero Galloway, Victor Galloway and Howard Galloway. He was also preceded in death by his family’s dogs Zorro, Lily and Wesley.
