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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8 Condolence(s)
Bob Hamill
Monday, October 20, 2025
I don’t know how many times I dropped in over the past ten years but it was probably 5 times a week. That was a lot. It was hard to drive by & not stop when the garage door was open. It was open most days. Loved his stories. Quick wit, always knew what his opinion was.
Numerous times in later years I would get a call after midnight, “I’ve fallen & can’t get up, can you come down.” I loved to irritate him by telling him he needed to go to a doctor or stop smoking or stop drinking! That always set him off but he knew what I was doing. He always knew we loved each other like brothers. It is really strange to drive by his house & not see his truck in the driveway! We live two doors further up the cul-de-sac so it happens several times daily. If there is beer in heaven I am sure he has asked Jesus to sit & enjoy a cool one!
Philip & Sharon Austin
Friday, October 17, 2025
Dan Worden was a wonderful friend & neighbor. Sharon & I have missed Dan every day since we moved away from San Antonio. Our deepest sympathy & love to all of Dan’s family.
George Taylor
Friday, October 17, 2025
Our sympathy and love are with you, Juliette and your family on the loss of your father. Love, George and Candy Taylor
Mary Mohr Miller
Friday, October 17, 2025
Uncle Danny you were such a fun and charismatic Uncle. Loved watching you play ball when we vacationed in Ft Smith. Most of all I will miss how my Mom would light up when she had talked to you. You were her baby brother and she loved you beyond words. You need to be her guardian angel now! Say hi to my Daddy and Gramma Stella.
Don & Laurie Milam
Friday, October 17, 2025
Sending our deepest sympathies, Bob, and to your family. It is a hard thing to lose a parent. May the memories you have of your Dad, make you smile, and be a source of comfort.
Sincerely,
Don & Laurie Milam
Peggy Mohr (niece)
Friday, October 17, 2025
The world was a better place because you were in it. You will be missed Uncle Danny love you so much.
Sharon Johnston
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bill and I had the honor of meeting Dan while he was in the hospital. We could tell by our visits that he was an wonderful person. Yesterday when Bill and I walked into his hospital room he smiled, shook Bill's hand and said "I love Jesus". He blessed our hearts and we will never forget him.
Helen Worden Mohr (sister)
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Love you and will miss you "little" brother.