Daniel James Claxton

Daniel Claxton (77 Years Old) from Escondido, CA peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving family Saturday 8/2/20.

Dan was born June 26, 1943 in Chicago, IL. By parents William & Evelyn Claxton. Big brother William “Bill” was already 2 Years old. The Claxton clan made their move to Culver City around 1954 then moved to Torrance California in 1955.

Dan attended Arlington Elementary School, Cashmier Middle School, North High School and El Camino College, meeting lifelong friends and teammates from his love of football throughout his school years and Army.

In High school his family lovingly welcomed 2 more brothers, Craig and Jerry. Dan would later help coach his brother’s sports teams, which he enjoyed very much. Senior year of High school Dan started working for American Airlines. After graduation he then went on to a Jr. College when he decided to join the United States Army, instead of waiting to be drafted. He was in service during the Vietnam era, when they sent him to Germany.

Two years later Dan returned to American Airlines at LAX, where they held his job until his return. He would then meet the love of his life Kathy Haley at a local dance hall called “Mother’s”. The first time he laid eyes on her he asked her to marry him. Kathy was thinking he was just a “Player” and used that pick- up line on all the girls, so she excused herself from the dancefloor and left with her girlfriend.  Six months later, they ran into each other again, Dan remembering her. But Kathy not recognizing him. This time they were both totally enamored with each other. Kathy was asked out on a date, this time she accepted the offer. Their first date was June 25, 1967 where they went to see the movie “Dirty Dozen”, after the movie they went to grab a bite to eat at the Hawthorne Airport Lounge, when Dan popped the question once again. “Will you marry me?”  Kathy avoided the question and changed the subject numerous times. Dan persisted with his question, when Kathy gave in and said “The ONLY way I would consider marring anyone would be for him to be on 1 knee with ring in hand, telling her how much he loved her and for him to be sober” Well, about 2 weeks later 3 out of the 4 requests were fulfilled by Dan. Kathy got Dan on 1 bended knee, she got her ring and had him telling her how much he loved her! In the following weeks, Dan asked Kathy’s dad for permission to marry her. Kathy’s dad replied with a resounding “YES!” May 4, 1968 the two were married at St. Francis Cabrini.

Dan and Kathy eventually started their own family having son Mathew, Daughters Carrie & Amy (Tad) and Foster Daughter Mariana (Chato).  They have 10 Grandchildren: Daniel (Ellyn), Adrian (Liz), Arianna (Ian), Haley (Eli), Faith, Peter & Cali. Anthony, Adam & Ashley. 5 Great ~ Grandchildren: Roman, Evelynn, Asher, Aria & Julia.

Dan always worked hard, played hard and loved hard. He worked for American Airlines almost 40 years, Plus being a Stewart for the Transport Workers Union, helping numerous employees especially with addiction problems. He umpired men’s leagues slow pitch games for almost 17 years, He along with Kathy by his side would rebuild car engines and transmissions together, put a roof on their home, he was a self - taught “Jack of all trades”. Dan and Kathy would make it appoint to plan a family vacation every year, making memories in many states. Their family eventually moved to Escondido in 1987, once transfer was available with American Airlines to San Diego. Dan and Kathy fostered daughter Mariana with whom have kept in touch throughout the years. Dan eventually retired with American Airlines in 2003.

After retirement, Dan would spend time looking up different recipes, whipping up delicious meals and desserts surprising his family and filing their tummies with yummy treats. Dan kept busy attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events, school performances, graduations, babysitting and still find time in between to do maintenance & up keep to their home. Dan was always so thoughtful, he would even organize progressive outings for Kathy and daughters with numbered envelopes with instructions of where to go next, all paid for get a-ways. Just to name a few they saw “River Dance”, which was phenomenal! They also shared some good laughs watching the musical “Menopause”. Dan and Kathy really shared a love for music together, they attend countless concerts, shredded many dancefloors together and sang many love songs to one another. They also attended many football and baseball games. Up until Dan’s passing, they would still catch up with high school and College teammates/rivals from the South Bay areas about twice a year. Dan and Kathy enjoyed attending their High School reunions still keeping in touch with classmates. Dan would travel to speak at conferences on Gambling Addictions and Recovery. Dan was free from Gambling 39 years and Alcohol 29 years, which he was very proud of. His family is extremely grateful for his dedication he put in to his sobriety, recovery and affiliation with the 12-step program. From listening to God’s direction, his fellowship with like addicts, his life changed to the “good” life. What Dan always thought was missing would be found right there in front of him. Dan said, “All he had to do was listen” He finally found his inner peace and had a blessed life, Freedom from self-bondage.” Dan worked his programs separate. GA was one, AA was another and home life was separate. He was told years ago to find strong members and good family people and he always did! Dan loved his family and loved his friends, he had a special spot for each and every one of them! God Bless you all!

Dan’s family wanted to Thank you all for being part of their lives. Thank you for friendships shared, phone calls, words of encouragement, memories and offering an ear to hear during their time of sorrow. Dan will be deeply missed until they are together once again. The Claxton family welcomes you to share your memories of Dan here and invites you to view a tribute to Dan and the life legacy he left behind by going to You Tube at ___.

There will be a private memorial held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 In Escondido, CA

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