Daniel Thomas Foley

March 1, 1957 - July 9, 2026

Dan Foley, 69, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2026, from young-onset dementia.  He was deeply loved by his family and will be remembered for his integrity, humor, intelligence, kindness and love of life.

Dan was born on March 1, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, to Edmond and Barbara Foley. He grew up in Oklahoma City with his brothers and sister. From an early age, Dan demonstrated the strong work ethic that would define his life, beginning with a paper route for The Daily Oklahoman. Through high school and college, he held a wide range of jobs, including stocking shelves at a grocery store, working nights in a candy factory, serving as an orthopedic technician at a hospital, a summer job at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, where he met his wife, Sharrel, and in the office of Governor David Boren.  

Dan attended Putnam City High School and continued his education at Central State University, where he was on the debate team, became a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and served as both student body president and president of the Young Democrats. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served as editor of the Law Review.  

Dan spent most of his legal career as an attorney for AT&T. His work took him to Oklahoma City, Little Rock, St Louis, Austin, Richardson, Greenbelt, Reno, Bedminster and to Dallas where he completed a distinguished 32-year career.  

Armed with a wonderful sense of humor, Dan was always ready with a joke. He was an outgoing, friendly man who never met a stranger. What many remember most is his chuckle; at any party or gathering, he was easy to find, just follow the laughter. He was a gifted conversationalist who took genuine interest in others, often seeking out the oldest person in the room to hear their stories.

For Dan, living life to the fullest meant savoring both grand adventures and life’s simplest pleasures. He loved history, politics, museums, traveling the world, and every opportunity to learn and experience more. From snorkeling and hiking to playing video games with his sons, he was happiest when sharing his life with the people he loved. Dan loved his family deeply and unconditionally. He was a proud and active father who always placed the happiness and well-being of his children at the center of his world. Even as his abilities declined, he continued to show the warmth, sweetness, and positive attitude that made him so beloved.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharrel; his sons, Nathan and Stuart; his mother, Barbara Cook Foley; his sister and brothers, Linda (Jim) Fields, Steve (Dawnette) Foley, and Rick (Sheila) Foley; and many beloved extended family members.

While his family grieves his passing far too soon, they also celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the love, laughter, and kindness he shared so freely. In keeping with his wishes, a private remembrance will be held for the family to gather and celebrate Dan.

You can honor Dan by questioning authority, visiting a national park, cheering on your favorite college team, cherishing your family or donating to his favorite charities, Feeding America and FairVote.

Dan was a thinker, a teacher, an esteemed lawyer, and an amazing husband and dad. His love is his greatest legacy, a bond that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Photographs of Daniel