Daniel Mark Crates, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, passed peacefully into eternal life with his Heavenly Father on Monday afternoon, July 13, 2026, at the age of 91.
A Chattanooga native, Daniel was born on July 10, 1935. He attended Bright School and McCallie School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Davidson College. Following graduation, he proudly served in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1957 to 1963.
After completing his military service, Daniel joined his family’s business, Simco Leather Company, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of equestrian equipment founded by his father, Robert H. Crates. He later worked alongside his brother, Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates. Following Simco Leather’s merger with Shakespeare Industries in 1970, Daniel served as President of the Simco Division, a company executive, and a member of Shakespeare’s Board of Directors until 1980.
In 1981, Daniel and his family founded Crates Leather Company, carrying forward a family tradition of manufacturing and distributing quality equestrian equipment to customers around the world.
Throughout his life, Daniel generously shared his time and talents in service to his community. He served as Chairman of the Chattanooga Manufacturers Association, as a board member of the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga and the Young Presidents Organization. He also served as a commissioner for both Lookout Mountain and Walden, Tennessee, and later served as Mayor of Walden.
Daniel and his beloved wife, Elise, were faithful members of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church for many years and were active members of the Brock Sunday School Class.
Although these paragraphs recount many of Daniel’s significant achievements, they represent only a fraction of a lifetime marked by extraordinary accomplishments, dedicated service, and enduring contributions to his profession, his community, and those whose lives he touched.
Above all, Daniel cherished his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elise Anderson Crates; his father, Robert H. Crates; his mother, Thelma G. Crates; his brother, Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates; his son-in-law, Charles T. Matthews; and his cousin, Dr. John B. Cameron.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Cameron Crates Matthews; his grandchildren, Tyler M. Smith and Eric Matthews; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Rowan Smith and Isla Matthews, all of Signal Mountain.
A private family burial will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery, with Frank Hitchings officiating.