Freshman had ‘penchant for creating and designing’

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friends and family gathered Thursday in El Dorado to mourn the death of Daniel S. Persons.

Persons, Towanda freshman, died in a car accident Sunday near El Dorado. He was a student in the School of Architecture and Urban Design.

Pam and Steven Persons, his parents, said Daniel was zealous about school. Daniel was accepted to the architecture schools at both the University and Kansas State University, but didn’t struggle with making a decision between the two.

“When he got KU's letter of acceptance, he put all his K-State stuff in the trash,” Pam said.

Daniel's passions for the University and architecture merged in the buildings he drew, Gannon Buckner, Lawrence sophomore and Daniel's roommate, said. The Campanile and Fraser Hall were featured in several of his drawings.

Daniel showed great promise for a career in architecture, Michael Swann, associate dean of the school of architecture and urban planning, said. He said Daniel “fit the bill perfectly” for an architecture student, was earth-conscious and had a strong work ethic. He said Daniel was excited to have a studio seat in the architecture school next fall.

Daniel’s father said he was interested in robotics in high school. In his junior year, Daniel conceived the idea for a robot that won an award for being “most robust” in a national competition.

“He could see a project way ahead in his mind,” Steven said. “His penchant for creating and designing things combined with technology was a good meld.”

Buckner said music was another of Daniel's passions. He said Daniel played the drums and was “bummed” because he didn't have any drums on campus so they would sometimes sneak into the practice rooms in Murphy Hall to play.

At home, Daniel would sit at his family's piano and compose music, Jenna Persons, Daniel's sister, said.

“He could just pick up an instrument and just play,” Jenna said. “It wasn't just with music that this happened. It was with every aspect of his life.”

A fascination with the number 27 was another aspect of Daniel's life. Daniel stayed in room 27 in hostel during a trip to Europe with friends and the number became a symbol of their friendship.

The number 27 played a role in his death as well. Daniel was driving on Highway 54, which is 27 doubled, near El Dorado early Sunday morning, Jenna said, when he realized he was going the wrong way. He turned around on the highway, but got in the wrong lane.

Jenna said a semi-truck was in the same lane and Daniel quickly moved into the correct lane, but the semi-truck also moved and collided with Daniel head on.

Friends and family said Daniel’s spirit was what they would remember.

“His body was not the important part.” Jenna said. “It was his thoughts, ideas, gifts, talents and love that are important.”

Donations to the Dan Persons Memorial Scholarship Fund can be sent in care of the Circle School Foundation, 905 E. Main, Towanda.

— — Edited by Brandy Entsminger

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