Daniel Lansford Spalding

Dan joined the U. S. Marine Corps on 2 April 1944 and received his basic training in San Diego. He was assigned to units engaged in the South Pacific and, in 1945, he was in Okinawa where he was wounded. For his wounds, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Dan was assigned to many other stations including Mare Island, Parris Island, Washington, D.C., Camp Lejeune, Korea, Camp Pendleton, sea duty aboard the USS Providence, GLC 6, a light cruiser, back to Camp Pendleton, where he retired 31 July, 1974 as a Sergeant Major, with 30 years, 3 months, and 30 days of service to his country.

Dan married Juanita in August 1947. They had four children, Jim, Ann, Cerelda, and Carol. There are five grand children and four great grand children. Juanita passed away in November 1996. We can credit Juanita with 27 years as an active duty wife and 22 years thereafter.

Dan Spalding’s service did not terminate with his retirement. He did spend a little time in a paid job in registration at Mira Costa College but he went far beyond that. He served 14 years on the Veterans Advisory Committee for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, 12 years on the Veteran’s Employment Committee, and volunteered at the V.A. Hospital in La Jolla and Oceanside Senior Center.

Dan has been Commander of three different VFW Posts; Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment; Past Commander of D.A.V. Unit 95; Past National President and Past Regional President of the Fleet Reserve Association; and served as Secretary of Branch 313 of the Fleet Reserve Association.

Dan petitioned to join the Masonic Order in 1957. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in September 1958 and was entitled to his 50 year pin in September 2008. He has served as Tiler and Treasurer for the lodge on several occasions. We cannot count the years he spent serving the Temple Board of Directors, where he recently served as Chairman and Temple Manager for both the Oceanside building and the San Dieguito building. In July 2008, he was presented the Hiram Award for his years of devotion to the Masonic Brotherhood.

Dan joined the Marine Corps at an early age to serve his country. He has continued to be of service to his community for 41 years since he left active duty. Please join us in remembering the life and service of Daniel Spalding.

Dan Spalding’s viewing will be Wednesday, 4 November 2015 from 16:00 – 20:00 and the funeral services will be Thursday, 5 November 2015 at 10:00 both at Eternal Hills Cemetery 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. If you are compelled to give on his behalf, please donate to any Veteran, Military or Fraternal Organization.