Daniel Gillcrist

Daniel Mark Gillcrist passed away from pulmonary fibrosis at home in Austin with his family by his side on December 21, 2023 at the age of 84. He was married to Barbara Neary Gillcrist for 62 years with whom he shares three children, Marion, Joan, and Dan, and five grandchildren, Carrie, Dimitri, Zachary, Alexander, and Morgan. He was the youngest of nine siblings, four of whom preceded him in death.

Dan had a special way with people. He made all feel respected and heard. He was principled in his responsibilities. As a father, he provided safety, financial security, and guidance. He led by loving example. He was the same in business, always looking out for the best interests of his clients and colleagues, making friends, and being a friend. As a young man from 1957 to 1961, Dan served on a US Navy diesel submarine and stayed involved with submariner groups for the rest of his life, even writing books on the subject: Power Shift and Ghost Boat.

In the early 1960s, he worked for IBM, until he was poached by EDS, a job that led to many lifelong friendships, including George H. W. Bush, with whom Dan worked as an advance man in both Nixon’s presidential re-election campaign and in Bush’s bid for the US Senate.

From 1971, Dan spent his remaining work life managing individual municipal bond portfolios. He was an innovator in the business, served as a board member for the Texas Municipal Advisory Council, and was one of the first bond salesmen to ‘go independent,’ relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the early 1990s, where he lived for 24 years. Dan published a humorous look at the muni bond business entitled Of Municipal Bondage. In addition to being a gifted storyteller, Dan’s many talents included woodworking, carving, writing, and enjoying a good fire. He was the same wonderful man in good times and in bad. You could turn to him and he would afford you a steady hand, solid advice, and a kind smile. We loved him very much and will miss him

A graveside service for Daniel will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542. A memorial service will occur Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731.