Daniel Ray Partin

Daniel Ray Partin died on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Lon Jackson and Lucille Garner Partin, Pearl Haws, Emma Partin, L.J. Partin, Eddie Partin, Evaree Blaylock, David Partin, and Troy Partin.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Partin, three children: Kylene Molley, Michael Partin, Audrey Childers, seven grandchildren: Aimee Smith, Jose Marquez, Adam Molley, Brian Molley, Michelle Teufel, Jeremy Molley, Nicholas Partin, three great-grandchildren: Sophia Molley, Ronan Smith, and Dominic Smith.

Dan was born on July 22, 1933 in Richland, New Mexico and was the youngest of eight siblings. His parents were part of the generation of homesteaders who traveled west across the country in covered wagons to make a life for their families. With the characteristics of working hard, determination, and overcoming adversity, the Partin family thrived on the family farm in eastern New Mexico and in the rural town of Richland NM. After Dan’s father’s disabling stroke when Dan was 6, the parents and Dan (by then the rest of the siblings were on their own) moved to Portales, NM, where Dan graduated from high school.

Dan led an adventurous life. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted to the US Army and reported to Korea just at the end of the conflict during the tense truce. The highlight of his time overseas is the trip to Japan (a beautiful country as he remembered) and his continuing lifelong friendship with his Navy buddy Barry Sikes. After his tour in the Army, he moved to Miami, Florida and became a mechanic for Eastern Airlines. His niece Laverne St. Clair, who was 2 years younger than he, moved with him; Dan said she was like a sister to him. 

Eventually, he moved to Bellflower, California to work at his brother LJ’s thriving radio shop. There he met Kathy Kroll, whom he married and had three children. They moved to Albuquerque NM where he began pursuing his interest in real estate and lived across the street from his sister Ree and her son Gary. 

After his first marriage ended, he returned to Dallas, Texas to woo his true love, Ann. They married on May 17, 1975 and lived happily together through their 50th wedding anniversary. Dan and Ann lived most of their life together in Los Alamos, NM where Dan served as the LA County Deputy Assessor. To add some fun to the town, they owned and operated a bowling alley for a number of years. They also purchased some business property which they remodeled into a day care center. His most ambitious and successful financial project happened in Los Alamos when he purchased a large tract of land and developed it into the Loma Linda Subdivision, a beautiful neighborhood on a mesa overlooking the city of Los Alamos, leaving a lasting legacy to the community that has and will continue to benefit many families. For many years, Dan and Ann also ran a bed and breakfast at their home , known as Adobe Pines in Los Alamos, hosting a variety of guests from around the world who were visiting or working for Los Alamos National Laboratory. In 2013, Dan and Ann moved to Albuquerque to be closer to family.

He enjoyed many pleasures in his life. He spent many hours playing backgammon, card games, board games, and dominoes with family and friends. All the family know that he was one of the best Domino “42” players in history! He loved to dance—doing the Jitterbug when he was younger and square dancing with Ann for many years. Dan and Ann also enjoyed traveling with vacations all over the country, such as Hawaii, Florida, Branson Mo, Texas, Washington DC, and cruising the Caribbean Sea and the Mississippi River. Some of the best memories are just being with him during a good meal telling funny stories.

A true patriarch, Dan placed his family at the center of his universe. He was the cornerstone that kept the extended family together, organizing family reunions, attending family events, and regularly communicating to ensure that family connections remained strong. He was the peaceful and forgiving mediator who loved all members of his family. He had an unflappable tranquil spirit with unwavering patience, rarely losing his temper. His even-handed way of treating everyone and his even-tempered spirit was a source of comfort and inspiration that drew everyone towards him.

Daniel Ray Partin lived a good life, a journey marked by love, adventure, and enduring spirit of community and family. His memory will continue in the hearts of those who loved him and his legacy will continue through the strong family ties he nurtured.

Dan's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 9:00am at Reflections Chapel located at 2400 Washington St. NE, 87110. Service will begin at 10:00am. Daniel will be laid to rest at 1:30pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N Guadalupe St., 87501. Reception will follow at the home of Perry and Kylene Molley.