At-large City Councilman Dan Corrales has passed away.
Corrales, an attorney, father, husband and veteran, had served on the Midland City Council since January 2022, and had recently taken a position with the Midland County District Attorney’s Office.
Corrales is survived by his wife, Michelle; and son, Elijah; and Michelle’s niece, Austin; who the couple also raised.
The City of Midland provided the following statement, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Councilman Corrales. His contributions to our community were invaluable, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire City of Midland during this time of sorrow.”
Midland Mayor Lori Blong added, “Losing Councilmember Dan Corrales brings me great grief. Those of us who worked closely with Dan understood that he was a man who wanted to make a difference for the citizens of Midland. It is a tragedy that he is gone too soon.
“Please join me in praying for Dan’s family, friends, co-workers and all in the City of Midland who are going to be walking through this loss with all its complicated layers of grief. Even in the midst of differences and divergent perspectives, we as a people must treat each other with kindness.”
District 4 Councilwoman Amy Stretcher-Burkes added, “I’m heartbroken from the news of the passing of Councilmember Dan Corrales. He was a champion for his constituents and a dedicated public servant. His vision and energy was unparalleled. My prayers are for his family and our entire community. He will be dearly missed.
Dan proved to be a councilman willing to fight for his beliefs and to make Midland a better community -- much like his grandmother, Oralia “Lillie” Corrales. She was the first ethnic minority elected to the Midland City Council, representing District 2 from 1982-89.
Current District 2 Councilman John Norman stated, "It is with a heavy heart that I've learned of the passing of Councilman Dan Corrales. Dan, as I knew him, was a good man. He was bold and forthcoming with all the things he stood for. Dan often talked of the legacy his grandmother left with her time on council and resembled her in his own right. I pray for his family's strength as we navigate through this heartbreaking time."
At-large Councilwoman Robin Poole added, “The news of Councilman Corrales’ tragic passing has grieved my heart. My prayers for his family during this time center on what I know to be true - that the Lord is near to those with broken hearts and those who are crushed in spirit.”Corrales was a Midland High graduate, attended Midland College before moving to Brooklyn., New York, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business and attended law school.
District 1 Councilman Scott Dufford stated, “Even though Dan and I had our disagreements. Dan loved and had a passion for Midland -- the city he grew up in -- and Dan, to his credit, only wanted what was best to make Midland a great place to live for all Midlanders. His wisdom and his voice on the council will be missed.”
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez stated “although I worked with Councilman Corrales for a short time, I was able to see the best of what he had to offer as a public official. He cared deeply for the community and for ensuring we, as an organization, worked to get to a high-performing level. For that, we should be eternally grateful.”
Gonzalez added, “Aside from Councilman Corrales’ public life, he was a family man who loved his family dearly. He would often talk about his grandmother and her work for the City of Midland. He was a father, husband, son, and veteran, and we are very sad to see him go too soon.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Corrales served numerous nonprofits, including Bynum School, Rotary, Lions Club, Meals on Wheels and Midland Community Theatre.
District 3 Councilman Jack Ladd stated, “Like most people, I am still shocked by councilman Corrales’ sudden passing. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones”
Mayor Blong added, “Today is a hard and sad day. In memory of Dan, I invite you to join me today in hugging your loved ones close, working towards building community in the face of great loss.”
Councilman Corrales was 45 years old.