Wayne Alvin Daniel, of Cedaredge, Colorado, died February 12th, 2026, at the age of 99. Wayne was born in Amarillo, Texas to Quilla Joe Daniel and Lillie Mae Glovier. He is preceded in death by two brothers Joseph Warren and Alfred Dale (Laverne). Wayne is survived by one brother Robert Earl (Marian).

Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Texas in Austin on the GI bill after his service in the Navy at the end of WW II. He worked for General Motors for over 35 years as a research physicist. During his time at GM, Wayne made significant contributions to understanding exhaust gas hydrocarbon emissions and improved engine design contributing to the reduction of pollutants. He was an expert woodworker specializing in geometric shapes, platonic solids, and mathematical wave forms, creating many wooden puzzles of elegant design. He regularly participated in the International Puzzle Party (IPP) community for over 30 years. Wayne loved the outdoors, and mountains in particular, spending many vacations in the Tetons and Wind River mountain ranges with his family. He spent most of his retirement years in a home he designed and help build at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Minden, Nevada.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 75 years (Peggy Jean Riddle) They were married on September 2nd, 1950, in Amarillo, Texas. He was a loving father to three children Michael Andrew Daniel (Cindy Harris), Bryan Dean Daniel (Sonia Swartz) and Leslie Ann Hoskyns (James Thomas) and a loving Grandfather to John Michael Daniel and four step-grandchildren.