Daniel Michael O'Shea

Retired First Sergeant Daniel Michael O'Shea, age 66, peacefully passed away at his home on June 17, 2025. Born on December 23, 1958 to Daniel Joseph O'Shea and Dorothy Jean (Hays) O’Shea, this Navy brat from Memphis, Tennessee couldn’t possibly have fathomed the adventures and colorful stories he would amass over the decades providing the perfect material to reminisce during his prime Facebook era in years of late.

Growing up as a cute, young Irish lad, Dan loved watching baseball and football, reading, and perfecting his smart-alecky quick-wit and trademark smirk. He played tennis in high school and stayed active throughout adulthood playing softball, volleyball, golfing, and bowling for many decades. His passion for golf was second only to his love for his wife, Katherine, and his precious grandchildren. Dan loved collecting baseball cards and comic books and amassed a stellar vinyl collection admired by many.

As a high school senior in 1976, Dan earned the rank of Eagle Scout and won the Orienteering City Championship in Memphis. He then dedicated his career to serving his country, spanning a total of 38 years in the U.S. Army, with over 20 years of active duty in military intelligence (perhaps an oxymoron, but save your jokes because Dan already wrote them all) serving overseas tours in Germany, Turkey and Southwest Asia as well as stateside tours at Hunter Army Airfield, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and Fort Hood.

First Sergeant O’Shea’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (second award), the Army Commendation Medal (third award), the Army Achievement Medal (second award), the Good Conduct Medal (sixth award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (third award), the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (third award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (fourth award), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (K). 1SGT O’Shea’s superior service was further acknowledged as a recipient of the Knowlton Award, the Bronze Medalion of the Order of Saint George, induction into the Order of the Spur by the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, and recognition as an Honorary Calvary Member.

After retiring from active duty, Dan served as the Command Language Program Manager for the III Corps Military Intelligence Command Foreign Language Training Program at Fort Hood. He eventually finished out his career as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Liaison Officer for Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) at Fort Bragg where he received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Maryland in 1993 and a Master of Arts in International Relations from St. Mary's University in 2005, where he was recognized as a distinguished graduate with a 3.97 GPA.

In 2000, he married Katherine O'Shea, and together they shared a profound and joyous bond—loving each other immensely and expertly annoying each other in just the right ways. (Lots of laughs and lots of sighs—if you know, you know!) Their 20-year love story was one of companionship, humor, and enduring partnership until her untimely death in 2020.

In his personal time, Dan enjoyed golfing, traveling with his wife, attending concerts galore, bowling with his grandchildren, and passionately trying to convince everyone around him to learn as many languages as possible. He was fluent in Russian and German and like any good linguist “dabbled” in various languages enough to get himself into and/or out of trouble as needed.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife Katherine, his father Daniel O'Shea, and his brother Timothy O'Shea.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Howe Peel and Michelle Howe Carter; grandchildren, Audrey Hernandez, Landon Carter, Harper and Cooper Peel; his mother Dorothy O’Shea; his brother Kevin O'Shea and wife Carol; nephews Ryan and Eric O'Shea; and many friends who cherished his long-lasting friendships. Though he considered himself a bit of an introvert, Dan enjoyed many long friendships, including over 41 years of laughter and camaraderie with his best friend, Michael Eldredge.

Per Dan’s wishes, there will be no formal service. He will be interred with his beloved Katherine at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

If you would like to make a gift in Dan's memory, please contact Jenny or Michelle regarding an account at Central National Bank benefiting the education of his grandchildren: Audrey, Harper, Landon, and Cooper.

We will miss you, Dano! Lots of love – 7s & 8s!