The news of Councilman Dan Corrales’ passing was announced Tuesday, Jan. 30. Since then, city officials and residents have shared their sympathies and memories they have of Corrales.
“Losing Councilmember Dan Corrales brings me great grief,” said Midland Mayor Lori Blong. “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 expressed her sorrow, saying, “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 were unparalleled. My prayers are for his family and our entire community. He will be dearly missed.”
Reflecting on Corrales’s commitment to the community, Mayor Blong mentioned his fight for his beliefs and likened him to his grandmother, Oralia “Lillie” Corrales, the first ethnic minority elected to the Midland City Council.
Current District 2 Councilman John Norman, acknowledging the loss, said, "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 expressed her grief, saying, “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, a Midland High graduate, pursued higher education in Brooklyn, New York, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business and attending law school.
District 1 Councilman Scott Dufford, despite disagreements, acknowledged Corrales’s passion for Midland, saying, “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, appreciating Corrales’s contributions, said, “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.”
District 3 Councilman Jack Ladd, expressing his shock, said, “Like most people, I am still shocked by councilman Corrales’ sudden passing. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Mayor Blong shared on her Facebook saying, “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.”
Mary Herrera, a resident who was shocked to hear the news of Corrales, told Midland Times, “His family ends up being hurt & losing a loved one. Our sincere condolences & prayers to the family."
Rachel Stone, a close friend, shared, "He was always willing to lend a hand and speak up for those that felt they did not have a voice. At times, Dan and I found ourselves at opposite ends of certain situations, and we would have some intense debates. But when it was over, he would say, ‘let's have lunch soon!’ I will miss his no-nonsense style, his passion for his wife and son, and for our community."
A memorial to pay tribute to Councilman Dan Corrales has been established in the Council Chamber within City Hall at 300 N. Loraine St., Midland. The City of Midland welcomes Midlanders to visit, and the memorial will be in place throughout the week. City Hall operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.