Daniel James Kubiak
Daniel James Kubiak was an influential American politician and author, born on March 19, 1938, in Reagan, Texas. The eldest of six children, he showed early promise in athletics, graduating from Marlin High School in 1957 and later playing basketball and football at Blinn College, from which he earned an associate's degree in 1959. Kubiak continued his education at the University of Texas, where he played football and studied mathematics, ultimately graduating in 1962. After playing semiprofessional football for the Vernon Vikings, he pursued a career in education, earning a master's degree and a doctorate while working as a math teacher and coach, receiving accolades such as the Teacher of the Year Award in 1967.
A member of the Democratic Party, Kubiak was elected to the Texas legislature in 1968, serving eleven terms and becoming a notable figure in Texas politics. He was in the midst of a campaign for a twelfth term when he passed away unexpectedly in 1998. Kubiak also made contributions to literature, authoring works such as "Ten Tall Texans," which recounts the stories of the founding fathers of the Republic of Texas, and "Monument to a Black Man," a biography of Texas pioneer William Goyens. His legacy encompasses both his political service and his efforts to document Texas history.
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Daniel James Kubiak
Writer
- Born: March 19, 1938
- Birthplace: Reagan, Texas
- Died: August 30, 1998
- Place of death: Rockdale, Texas
Biography
Politician and author Daniel James Kubiak was born on March 19, 1938, in Reagan, Texas. He was the oldest of six children. He graduated from Marlin High School in 1957 and was recruited by Blinn College to play basketball and football. He graduated from Blinn College with an associate’s degree in 1959.
Next, Kubiak attended the University of Texas, where he played football and studied mathematics. He graduated in 1962 and played semiprofessional football for the Vernon Vikings. Kubiak continued his education, earning a master’s degree in education from Midwestern University and a doctorate in education from the University of Texas.
Kubiak worked as a math teacher and coach in the public schools in Vernon, Texas. In 1967, he received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Texas State Teachers Association.
Kubiak, a Democrat, was elected to the Texas legislature in 1968, which marked the start of a long and successful political career. He served eleven terms in office and was running for a twelfth term in 1998 when he died unexpectedly in his home in Rockdale, Texas.
Kubiak was the author of Ten Tall Texans, which tells the story of the founding fathers of the Republic of Texas, and Monument to a Black Man, a biography of Texas pioneer William Goyens.