Daniel Pradel, Sr. of Kingwood, Texas passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2023.

Dan was born on August 28, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Roman Pradel and Julia (Duffy) Pradel. The youngest of four children, he grew up in Philly, attending Fr. Judge High School before proudly serving in the United States Air Force. During his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Martha Plemel. Marty was a student at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, which at the time was a women's college. They held a mixer one evening with the men from the nearby Air Force base. Thankfully, Marty asked Dan to dance, and the rest was history. After his honorable discharge, they married in June 1966 and began their life together in Denver Colorado. Children soon followed with son, Daniel Jr. born in 1967, daughter Christine born in 1968, and son Thomas born in 1972. While Marty taught elementary school, Dan attended Regis University full-time and worked nights as a janitor to help provide for his family.

Upon graduation from Regis, Dan began his professional career. The family moved to New Jersey where he worked for Owens Illinois as an Industrial Engineer. Dan's passion in life was aviation and he eventually began working in this field at Airwork in Millville New Jersey, Combs Airways in Billings Montana, and Garrett Airesearch in Houston. In 1989, Dan started his own aviation business, Aviation and Marketing International (AMI). The company has enjoyed much success due to Dan's hard work, integrity, and ability to form lasting relationships.

Outside of work, nothing meant more to Dan than his family. He and Marty were blessed with 56 years of marriage. They truly loved being together and provided their children with a beautiful example of how to love unconditionally. Dan was also a devout Catholic. He lived his faith in how he conducted business and treated others, and together with Marty, he passed his faith on to his children. He was an active parishioner at St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood for over forty years, serving as a religious education teacher, eucharistic minister, and parish council member.

Dan's personality was bigger than life. He loved making people laugh and feel loved. If you met Dan, you'd leave with a new friend, and he would always remember your name. His kids often thought he was a goofball but cherished his sense of humor and creativity. Dan and Marty loved to take road trips with the kids every summer, usually visiting family in Philly, or in Wyoming and Colorado. Dan could often be found spending hours talking over a cup of coffee in the morning or sitting on the back patio with Marty enjoying a glass of chardonnay in the evening. Dan also loved spending time at the lake with Marty, being with his eight grandkids, watching Aggie football, and anything having do to with airplanes. More than anything, his family will miss him beyond words.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bud, and his sisters, Helen and Betty Jane.

Dan is survived by his wife, Marty, and his three children Dan (Lauri) Pradel, Chrissy (Craig) Doherty, and Tom (Julie) Pradel. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jonathan, Allison, William (Alaina), Maggie, Daniel, Jack, Sammy, and Conall.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dan's life at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martha Catholic Church 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter Texas 77365 on Wednesday, May 31 at 11:00am with a reception to follow. The family will gather for a private burial at the Houston National Cemetery on June 1.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angel Flight South Central or Saint Judes Childrens Research Hospital. Funeral Service Wednesday 31 May 11:00 am ~ St. Marthas Catholic Church 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter Texas 77365