TUPELO, OK—JULY 21, 2017—Donald "Dan" Dailey, 82, of Tupelo, Oklahoma, died June 29 at an Oklahoma City hospital. He was born November 1, 1934, in the small community of Deb’s Corner, just outside of Tupelo.

Dailey lived nearly his entire life in the Tupelo area. He attended Eubanks Grade School, later graduating from Tupelo High School in 1953. He immediately began a career at Hazel Atlas, later known as Brockway Glass Company which spanned over 20 years.

In September of 1972 in Ada, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Fowler. The two had a long and loving marriage of almost 45 years, living briefly in Ada, then moving to Dan’s home town of Tupelo. After moving to Tupelo, the two established Dailey Horse Farm just outside of town, where Dan trained and bred horses, including racehorses and roping horses.

He bred horses that made 93 starts. He owned and stood the 1971 stallion Jet Of Honor, a stakes winner who sired the earners of more than $1.3 million on the track and more than 5,470 AQHA points, including 12 competition world champions, and was famed as a barrel horse producer. Dailey also owned and stood Johnny Boone, who sired the earners of more than $1.9 million on the racetrack and more than 285 points in AQHA shows.

"When (Dan) said something, it was truthful, worthwhile and good advice," remembered friend Sandra Mantooth. "He taught many ropers that went on to the big times, and helped folks who chose his stallions for breeding to raise many champions, track record holders and good athletes."

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Vinson and Bessie Dailey.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Dailey; son, Jim Dailey; daughter, Dana Dailey; son, Brian Dial and wife Tina; son, Tracy Dailey and wife Stephanie; daughter, Chrissy Chaiet and husband Jeffrey; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, David Dailey and wife Margie.

Condolences can be left at the online guestbook from Criswell Funeral Home.