William Daniel

Jun 2, 1930 -

Jan 23, 2026

William Samuel Daniel, 95, of Seward, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2026. Sam, as everyone knew him, was born on June 2, 1930, in Plainview, Texas, to Newton Samuel and Thelma Irene (Likenhoger) Daniel. He and his family moved to Seward in 1971.

Sam was an educator for 33 years. He started his teaching career as a P.E. teacher but quickly decided his talents would best be used as a school guidance counselor, at which he later excelled. He earned his Master of Psychology and then his Education Specialist degree from the University of Florida. Half of his teaching career was at Seward High School. He was recognized as the School Guidance Counselor of the Year by the Alaska State School Counselors Association. Sam was also a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War, where he achieved the rank of Corporal and earned various achievements, including expert marksman.

Sam was well known for his love of entertaining others, but especially loved young people. Whether he was telling stories, doing coin tricks or kicking a door jam, Sam made people smile. Sam also had a great love for the outdoors of Alaska. He loved to hunt, hike, fish, float rivers and camp - either in a cabin or just under a tree and tarp. Sam was a skilled pool shot, bowler and card player. He was civic minded, serving on the boards of several local agencies, and was a member of the Elks and American Legion. He is remembered as "the man in the Stetson on a four-wheeler," who picked up litter along the highway outside Seward for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Daniel; sons, Sam Daniel and David Daniel (Leslie); stepdaughter, Marci Woern; daughter-in-law, Tammy Woern; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Newt and Thel; brothers, Wesley, Hugh and Philip; first wife, June Marie (Malone) Daniel; stepson, Brett Woern; and grandson, Taylor Daniel.

A celebration of life will be held in late May or early June 2026, to be announced later. If you choose to give a memorial, we suggest the Seward Memorial United Methodist Church, the Seward Senior Center or any charity of your preference.