of Harrison, AR

March 31, 1946 - October 15, 2025

Daniel Paul Worden was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Stella and Maynard Worden on March 31, 1946. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra; siblings Dora, Maynard, and Dick; daughter Kimberly; and parents Stella and Maynard.

He is survived by his longtime love, Wendy; his siblings Helen and Tony; his children Shannon, Bob, Stephanie, Kevin, Mitch, and Juliette; his grandchildren Samuel, Trisha, Kristina, Jessica, Taylor Worden, Victoria, Alyssah, Grayson, and Emerson; and great-grandchildren Rebbecca, Lakota, Stormy, and Xander.

One of Daniel's first jobs was painting alongside his father. He went on to serve as a fireman, then a paramedic, and later a neonatal nurse before becoming a healthcare administrator. He had a great love for slow-pitch softball. His friends nicknamed him Turkey, or Turk for short, because of his ''unique'' running style. He looked back fondly on his time with the Fort Smith Fire Department, though it was shortened by injury. He drove both the pumper and the ladder truck, often climbing the ladder into burning structures himself. He was honored as Fireman of the Year in 1976 and credited with more than 200 carried saves.

He loved to cook, especially anything with "essence of pig," and delighted in trying new recipes, often modifying them to make them his own. After praying over a delicious meal, he would often grin and say, ''I wonder what the poor people are eating tonight.'' His epic breakfasts, ''cardiac'' mashed potatoes, and crockpot creations were legendary among family and friends. With his three fully stocked refrigerators, he always planned for leftovers for others to take home. Feeding others brought him joy.

He enjoyed watching football and rooted for Ohio State, the Buckeyes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He looked forward to the Little League World Series each year.

Dan was an excellent host, always considerate of others, and known for keeping a ''backup of a backup'' of the things he enjoyed at home. He made his home in San Antonio's Stone Oak neighborhood since the late '80s. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and making things with his hands. He built a custom back deck with the neighborhood kids that sprawled over 1,600 square feet. He was fondly known as ''The Mayor'' of the cul-de-sac during his retirement years. He could usually be found in his garage with the door open, with his loyal dog, Granger, by his side. He enjoyed deep conversations in that garage, with beer or cigarette in hand. He was easy to talk to and easy to love.

Dan went home to be with Jesus on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His legacy lives on through his humor, his generous heart, and his deep love for people.

 

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