Danny Naughton
July 27, 1948 ~ February 26, 2019
Daniel Naughton, 70, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha. A Celebration of Life will take place 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Hunter's Ridge Golf Course, Marion. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion.
Dan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Naughton; children, Dustin Naughton and Tracy Walther; grandkids, Sydney and Peyton Walther, and Quinn and Ruby Naughton; brother, David Naughton; sisters, Diane and Deb Long; many friends, including good friend Jimmy Brown who helped him gain his sobriety 21 years ago; and a number of loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Daniel William Naughton was born July 27, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, to Bill and Evie (Ament) Naughton. He was a very good athlete growing up, lettering in several sports. He served in Vietnam in the Airborne unit of the 11th Armored Calvary, reaching the rank of Staff Sargent before being honorably discharged. It was in Hawaii that he started golfing, which would become an important part of his life.
Dan was (according to him and many of his competitors) the best putter in Iowa. This is debatable, but he was damn good. He would go on to win the Cedar Rapids City Amateur, eventually become a pro-golfer, serving as an assistant pro at the Kankakee Elks Country Club as well as locally at St. Andrews. He eventually regained his amateur status and went on to win the Iowa Senior Amateur.
Dan could be a difficult man to love. He battled alcoholism for much of his adult life which alienated and infuriated those who loved him. But there were a lot of people who loved him because despite his flaws, he was also charming and funny when he wanted to be. He loved Motown and the Doobie Brothers, his family, golf, and later in life (oddly) Harry Potter.
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Danny and I played golf everyday at Twin Pines in the early 60’s. I have had no contact with him for 50 + years. It is amazing how close you were then, and then no contact. I will never forget his laugh, I’m so sad to hear he’s gone. I think everyone feels they are 10 ft tall and bullet proof. But……we aren’t. My thoughts are with his family, even though I’ve never met them. He was a true friend that I’ll never forget! ❤️
We share a lot of memories with Danny in our family. Our father fast Eddie/Eddie Naughton was Danny‘s uncle. They shared a lot of life together. Golf being the first , Alcoholism, but they always had a good joke. A little bit of smart a%# for both of them could go along way 😉 they Will both get back at it in heaven ❤️We’ll miss you doobie brother Danny 🏌️♂️
What a guy! Oh the memories from the neighborhood. Never forget how he could throw a baseball so high in the Garfield parking lot and expect you to catch it. Would give you help to do it right Probably the best athlete in the neighborhood, little league coach and all round inspiration. Loved that neighborhood. Diane I couldn’t find a way to get in touch to thank-you after Mom passed. Diane and Debby those were the days. David you were the older one. Love that smile!
JR Kacena
Hi Jeff!! It’s great to see a message from one of the “kids” that I babysat for and watched grow up. I, too, loved that neighborhood and still get nostalgic about it. Big hugs to you and your brothers!! Cathy (Matus) Nunemaker
Dear Tracy(Steve & girls),Nancy,Dustin(& family), I am so very sorry to hear of Dans illness & recent passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this very difficult & sad time. Its certainly been a very rough month for your families & my heart truely hurts for you all. I hope that you are able to find peace & comfort knowing your loved ones are no longer in pain or suffering & although it doesn’t seem like it right now he (& Elaine) are in a better place where they live without pain & sickness & will forever be watching over & protecting you all. Now in a place free of a disease that hurt not only em & all of you loved ones. The sickness may have taken over mind & body but it never took over the heart or away the love that had for all you loved ones! Always remember the best times,the good moments & memories & let go of what was painful because the disease is what took over & caused anything else. May rest in peace surrounded by the loved ones who went before, where wait until the day when you meet once more. Forever in your memories,forever in your hearts! May God be with & comfort you all. Gentle Hugs & Blessings, Debbie & family
I was fortunate to have spent many youthful experiences with my man Dan. Then reconnecting after a lifetime for genuinely good times on the golf course. One of my sons and Dan’s son Dustin made up a great foursome. My son still talks about Dan and yesterday showed me the scorecard from our remarkable round. Oh Danny boy the pipes are calling!!
My sincere condolences to the members and friends of the Naughton and Long families, and all those that had the good fortune of growing up around Dan and the Garfield neighborhood. God bless and care for Dan and all of you. Steven C. Long
I lunched with Dan during our senior year at Washington High School. He had a great sense of humor and was a talented athlete. I cheered for him in many golf tournaments. Rest in Peace Dan.
My condolences to your family and also Jimmy Brown for your loss. My friend, your fight has ended and you may now rest in peace forever. Thanks for your service to our country, and I can only hope the good Lord has the greens in good shape! Jim Miller
I played golf with Danny many times in the Wednesday game at St. Andrews. I learned a lot about the game from him. He shot a 63 one day and he still wasn’t happy with his game. He missed 2 putts that he claimed he should have made.
He was truly the best putter I have ever played with. He often claimed that I was the worst putter in CR I think I’m better now. He helped me add new words to my vocabulary tht are only to be used on the golf course. I think he like me because we shared the same name.
I had my best conversations with him after he stopped golfing and just came out to St. Andrews to see the boys. When you get to know him a little better he was really a kind person. We are going to miss him. Dan Malloy
You made us laugh. So long Norton. Larry Kennedy
David, Diane and Debbie, Please accept my heartfelt love and prayers for all of you for the loss of Danny. Yes, to me he’s still Danny. I haven’t seen any of you for more than 50 years but you’ve been in my heart and thoughts more than you can imagine. At times, we’re all still the young kids across the street from each other. Thank you to all of you and to Danny’s precious wife for sharing the beautiful story of his life with those of us who weren’t as fortunate to have been there to share him with you. God bless all of you, including Danny!!! Cathy (Matus) Nunemaker
To the entire Family, We, the Kacena boys (Neil, JR, and Doug) fondly remember growing up across the street from the Naughton family, including our big brother Danny. Great baseball instructor and sponsor of numerous over the wall games as well challenging us to get the most out of skills. Later, we always appreciate the service of a fellow Vet. With our deepest Sympathies during these challenging times Neil, Jr, and Doug Kacena