Danny Eschew

SACATON - Daniel "Danny" Eschief, 60, of Sacaton died on Jan. 31, 2016, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Gila River Wellness Center. The funeral will be at 8 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Sacaton, with the Rev. Aaron Johns officiating. Burial will be in North Blackwater Cemetery.

Mr. Eschief was born on Feb. 19, 1955, in Sacaton and grew up in Blackwater before moving to Sacaton. Active throughout his life, he competed in sports in high school and college, including cross country, basketball, baseball and tennis.

He and friends Gary Cooper and Dale Enos introduced sports competition and recreation to the Gila River Indian Community through the Gila River Sports Association. He was a sports official with the Arizona Interscholastic Association for more than 20 years and was a tribal recreation coordinator for more than 35 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Eschief of Sacaton; his mother, Hazel Eschief of Sacaton; three sisters, Carol Eschief Allen, Kathleen Eschief and Denise Eschief Garcia, all of Sacaton; a brother, Clayton Eschief Jr. of Sacaton; six grandchildren; 12 nephews; and eight nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton L. Eschief Sr.; a brother, Richard Eschief; and a sister, Lydia Eschew.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.