William Allen Daniel

of Carmel-By-The Sea, California

December 20, 1927 – April 18, 2020

At the age of 92, Bill, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on April 18, 2020. He was born in Shidler, Oklahoma to Ralph and Jessie Daniel. Ralph passed away when Bill was only nine years old. Bill became the provider and protector of his younger siblings Ginger, Jean and Jack. His mother later married Ferdinand Bennett and stepbrother Ronald joined the family. Bill took great pride in his Cherokee and Scottish-Irish heritage that was a big influence in his life. Knowing hard times and against all odds, Bill excelled in subjects of math and history which ultimately led to him to join the Navy in 1945. Achieving his goal of flying, Bill became an accomplished Naval Aviator.

In 1948, while attending University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he met the love of his life, Mildred Tileston from Santa Monica. After a tour of duty in Saipan, Philippines, he returned to the mainland and married Mildred on July 11, 1950.

During their honeymoon, he was whisked away to serve in the Korean War flying military radar seaplanes. Upon returning to the U. S., Bill and Mildred were transferred to various naval stations across the country and Guam. Their daughter, Cynthia, was born in Norman, Oklahoma in 1952 and their son, William “Wayne”, was born in Guam in 1955.

Being the high achiever Bill was, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey was his next stop where he earned a degree in electronics. Then on to San Diego for more routine squadron operational duties and training in jet fighters. Throughout his career Bill’s dedication and hard work earned him promotions and assignments each in a new field of expertise. His tours of duty included Personnel at the Bureau of Weapons in Virginia, NPS for a second time earning a degree in Management, Executive Officer at the Naval Air Rework Facility in San Diego as well as contracts at Naval Air Systems Command in Arlington, VA. Bill was awarded numerous medals for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with 2 stars.

As a Captain, Bill retired May 30, 1974 to Carmel-By-The-Sea, California. As a man of faith, Bill loved being actively involved at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula where he volunteered his services for many years. Later in life Bill and Mildred traveled to England, Switzerland, Austria and Spain. He also loved playing golf and cribbage.

Fly like an Eagle, Dad, across the skies, over the land and seas.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Mildred, sister Ginger Thompson and her husband Gib of Jenks, Oklahoma, daughter Cynthia Daniel of Carmel-By-The-Sea, son Wayne Daniel and wife Cheryll of Carmel Highlands, granddaughter Christine Apostolou of Kuna, Idaho, and Adopted granddaughter Angel Donica of Boise, Idaho , great-grandchildren Tristan, Isabella, Ali and Skye, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 12 at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel Valley. We will keep you posted with any changes in the date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula, P. O. Box 222811, Carmel, CA 93922