Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) North (McGregor) Iowa Times (on) November 29, 2013

Daniel Ames

Daniel Warren Ames, 65, passed away on Nov. 14, at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas following an acute illness.
He was born in McGregor, Iowa, the sixth of eight children, on Sept. 21, 1948 to Vernon Ames and Virginia Martin Ames. After graduating from Mar-Mac High School in 1966, he followed his quest for knowledge and attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls where he majored in math and chemistry, later transferring to the University of Texas at Austin where he received his B.A. degree in Botany in 1975. He continued his graduate studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, and then transferred to Texas A&M University at College Station where he received a Master of Agriculture Degree in Plant Protection in 1981.
He married Judy Ann Good (formerly of Beloit) on July 1, 1977 in Santa Fe, N. M., while on one of numerous “road trips” they enjoyed taking with friends and family throughout their life together. Dan loved nature’s wonders and particularly enjoyed visiting state and national parks and historic sites and homes. The Austin, Texas area was home for most of his adult life, initially being drawn to the incredible music scene, especially the blues and rock and roll.
Dan’s career was varied, from agricultural crop consultant for rice and soybean growers, to a specialist in adult education for Agricultural Extension Services in both Texas and Oklahoma, to a 15-year position as Scoring Director for various projects with Measurement Inc. and Pearson Educational Assessment (test development, administration, scoring, and reporting processes for Texas and other states). Whatever his position, he treated his co-workers with respect and always added that touch of humor to make a tedious project more fun.
He was intelligent, witty, had an incredible memory, loved to laugh, to tease, and to enjoy his family and friends and the simple things in life. He had a generous heart and was a shaping force for us all in many ways. Dan loved all animals and rescued any in need that crossed his path. Eight beloved cats survive him at home and will forever love and miss him.
He was a news junkie and politically astute enjoying the satire of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and would always burst with laughter while watching “The Simpsons.” In Dan’s own words his epitaph might read, “He had a highly-tuned sense of the absurd.”
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Judy Good of Cedar Creek, Texas; six siblings, Gary Ames of Calmar, Iowa; Rod (Rosemary) Ames of Mason City, Iowa, Joan (Bob) Mezera of Jesup, Iowa, Judi (Victor) Burgess of West Des Moines, Iowa, Cliff Ames (Sandra Stone) of Austin, Texas and Marty (Jeannine) Ames of Bartlett, Ill.; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ames of Prairie du Chien, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Vernon and Virginia Ames; second parents, Ralph and Reva Martin; oldest brother, Merlin Ames; sister-in-law, Juanita Ames; grandparents; many aunts and uncles; and niece, Melanie Ames Jones.
His remains were cremated in Texas. No memorial services are planned at his behest. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in his memory may consider the McGregor Historical Society, P.O. Box 426, McGregor, IA 52157, or an animal shelter or animal rescue organization of your choice. Condolences may be sent to 138 Old 71, Cedar Creek, Texas 78612.