March 05, 2026 Seward Folly

William Samuel Daniel, 95, of Seward, Alaska, passed away peacefully on January 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 be best used as a school guidance counselor, at which he later excelled.  He earned his Master’s 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 US 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 Alaskan outdoors.  He loved to hunt, hike, fish, float rivers, and camp—either in a cabin or just under a tree and a 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 fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Newt and Thel;  his brothers, Wesley, Hugh, and Philip; his first wife, June Marie (Malone) Daniel; his stepson, Brett Woern; and his grandson, Taylor Daniel.

A celebration of life will be held late May or early June, 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.