Clayton Daniels

Clayton Wesley Daniels, 61, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022. A funeral service will be 1:00 PM, Friday, February 18, 2022 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

Clayton was born July 8, 1960 to Ivy and Linda Daniels in Snyder, Texas. A native of Abilene and graduate of Cooper High School, Clayton loved the country and his hobbies include cooking, family time, and watching old western movies.  Clayton served over 34 years in his law enforcement career. He graduated from the Abilene Police Academy in 1984 and served as a Patrol Officer until 1995.  Clayton continued his service to the Abilene Police Department as a Criminalist Officer specializing in processing crime scene evidence until 2010 when he retired from active duty.  His service to law enforcement continued at DPS Austin, TX where he served as a Crime Scene Forensic Scientist until 2018.  Clayton finished his career as a Fingerprint Examiner for the University of North Texas Health Science Center where his work contributed to solving missing and unidentified persons cases. Clayton retired in 2021 after a decades long rewarding career of service to the great state of Texas.  Clayton enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, daughters Kelsey and M’lissa and preparing massive feasts for friends and family.  Clayton loved airshows, Texas, and his country.  You could find him on a hot summer evening with his shirt off over a hot grill cooking up some amazing BBQ.  He loved spicy peppers, good salsa, and “Thai spicy No.5”. Clayton had an ability to allow whoever stopped by, friends or family, to enjoy a simple conversation or an “old timey” story of “how they used to do things”.  Clayton was a true Texan and Patriot, an old fashioned Friend, Dad, and Neighbor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ivy Franklin Daniels and Linda Jean Beasley, and his brother Taylor Daniels.

Clayton is survived by his daughters, Kelsey Granum and husband Arrio, and M’lissa Kiser and husband Dustin; four grandchildren, Arrena Granum, Kyson Granum, Knoah Kiser, and Embrlyn Kiser; his sister, Carol Daniels; his great aunt, Janice Martin; his cousin, Ben Davis; and several cousins, and friends.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Photos can be uploaded here: dropevent.com/ClaytonWDaniels

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Clayton's honor to Boots on the Ground.