KYLE — Maxcyne and Daniel “Dan” Daughdrill, residents of The Philomena Senior Living, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary surrounded by fellow residents and staff at the facility in September.
Dan, 77, and Maxcyne, 83, have a rich history that spans both personal and professional achievements. Dan grew up in GulfPort, Mississippi, along the Gulf Coast. He fondly said he “got to Texas as soon as I could,” making the move to Dallas in 1963 after high school. Maxcyne was born in Lancaster, Texas, but spent much of her youth in Battle Creek, Michigan, after her father’s job transfer when she was 8 years old.
Dan studied flight mechanics after some college and technical training, launching a successful career in aviation. He worked in general aviation before joining American Airlines, retiring early at 48, but continued as a Maintenance Representative for a charter company until 68. Maxcyne was a dedicated teacher for 27 years. In an unexpected turn of events, she and Dan retired on the same day their son Drake joined the Navy.
The couple’s love story began in a log cabin near an airport. Maxcyne, a teacher at the time, would let her little dog, Victoria, out every morning and the dog would wander to the flight school where Dan worked. Maxcyne would visit the flight school to pick up Victoria and grab a bite to eat, sparking a connection with Dan. Though Maxcyne was initially hesitant to date Dan because of their age difference, a friendship blossomed. Dan, then 27, jokingly suggested that if they both were still single by the time they reached 40, they should marry. To his surprise, Maxcyne, 33 at the time, responded, “How about now?” The couple tied the knot on Nov. 23, 1974.
When asked what he first thought when he laid eyes on her, Dan recalls thinking, “Wow, she’s a good-looking girl! I wanted to know her more.” Maxcyne set him up with a friend of hers as a test, but after a disastrous date, their connection became undeniable. Their families were supportive and Dan quickly bonded with Maxcyne’s father, though her mother needed a little more time to warm up to him.
After 51 years of marriage, the Daughdrills credit their success to a few simple rules. Dan shares his advice to young couples: “You have to find someone you really like. If you like them from the start, you can overcome a lot of difficulties.” Maxcyne’s rule for Dan was clear: “Never buy me jewelry or clothes without asking me.”
Early on in their marriage, Dan discovered that Maxcyne wasn’t much of a cook, but after a memorable liver and onions dinner, they made a deal—Dan would cook and Maxcyne would handle the dishes. Despite her culinary shortcomings, Maxcyne has always excelled at throwing a great party.
“It’s such an honor to witness such a beautiful milestone,” said Priscilla Duran, executive director of The Philomena. “Maxcyne and Dan’s love and commitment to one another is a true inspiration. We’re so grateful to have them as part of The Philomena family.”
For additional information about The Philomena Senior Living, visit www.thephilomena.com.
