Date of birth: 06 Jan 1922
Date of death: 16 Mar 2002

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Burial Information

Section 02 (Click Here for Section Map)
Cemetery: Odd Fellows Cemetery
Plot: 233A-02
Status: Occupied

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Veteran Information

Branch: US MARINE CORPS
Rank: LT COL
War/Campaign: WORLD WAR II (Three Distinguished Flying Crosses) / KOREA
Military Notes: Homer Daniel returned from the South Pacific after World War II garnering three distinguished flying crosses (second only to the medal of honor). He was one of the youngest commanding officers of a squadron of B-25's in history. From bombers, Big Dan went into jet aircraft and became the CO of the first jet stunt team in American history, with such dignitaries as John Glen under his command. After jets, he became a helicopter pilot and flew rescue missions in Korea for three years. He was at the Pentagon for three years as head of Marine Corp Aviation, and then his last three years as liaison officer to the Army Air Corp in Fort Rucker, Ala. While in Ft. Rucker he invented and developed what is known today as the helicopter gunship.

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Notes

Obituary
H. L. Daniel Died March 16
Colonel H. L. "Big Dan" Daniel, 80, of Lexington died Saturday, March 16, 2002 at University Medical Center in Jackson.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 20 at First United Methodist Church in Lexington at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery with Southern Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

According to his son Mike, ("Big Dan" as he was affectionately known by family and friends) has left a legacy of a wonderful military career, a helpmate and friend to many people in Holmes County, as well as a father of three children and a husband for sixty years. Big Dan returned from the South Pacific after World War II garnering three distinguished flying crosses (second only to the medal of honor). He was one of the youngest commanding officers of a squadron of B-25's in history. From bombers, Big Dan went into jet aircraft and became the CO of the first jet stunt team in American history, with such dignitaries as John Glen under his command. After jets, he became a helicopter pilot and flew rescue missions in Korea for three years. He was at the Pentagon for three years as head of Marine Corp Aviation, and then his last three years as liaison officer to the Army Air Corp in Fort Rucker, Ala. While in Ft. Rucker he invented and developed what is known today as the helicopter gunship.

After retiring with honors from the Marine Corps., Big Dan moved his family to Lexington, where he was very active in county affairs, serving for many years on the Economic Development Council (he was one of the key players in bringing Fleetwood Homes to Lexington). Mr. Daniel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.

Survivors include wife, Margie Henry Daniel of Lexington; two sons, Mike Daniel and Sam Daniel, both of Lexington; one daughter, Jenny Daniel of Sumner and three grandchildren.

Active pallbearers were: Darrell Williams, Jack Yates, Max Yates, Rob Hammett, David Dillon, and Robert Easterling.

Honorary pallbearers were: Ted Batson, A.B. Holder, Woodson Earle, Dick Temple, Louis King, Ed Wilburn Hooker, Paul Hale, and John Caden.

Family Relations

Parents:
Myra Lee Davis Daniel

Spouse:
Margie Henry Daniel

Children:
Samuel Henry Daniel
Mike Daniel
Jenny Daniel

More information, family relationships, and images may be found by CLICKING HERE (external link)

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