Daniel Joseph McMahon

Daniel Joseph McMahon was born in Paloma, Illinois on August 11, 1919, to the parents of Rev. Joseph C. McMahon and Ella Mary Eliason. He passed away in Dallas, Texas on September 10, 2013. Dan and his family lived in several Illinois towns: Catlin 1923-1926; Sidell 1926-1929; Waynesville 1929-1932; and Martinsville 1932-1939. Dan graduated from Martinsville Community High School in 1937. Dan was an officer in the United States Navy during WWII. He was assigned to MEIU #1 (Mobile Explosive Investigative Unit) and served in Japan from September 1944 until he was discharged in July 1946. While in Japan, Dan and his group were assigned to locate and disarm bombs and other explosives, some of which were floating in the ocean. After returning to the States, he met Mary Frances Blumer and they were married on April 7, 1954 in Dallas, Texas. January 6, 1962 they adopted a baby girl they named, Pamela Anne McMahon. Dan was a devoted and faithful husband and outstanding father. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Grace McMahon, and brother, Tom McMahon. Dan leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Pamela Anne Miser, and her children, Courtney and Clayton, and their father Craig Miser. He also leaves his sister, Ruth Loomis, and brothers, James and George, and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Dan enjoyed a vast many things in life but his passion was providing for his wife and daughter. He was a kind man and would offer help to others even if it set him back to do so. His love of Christmas was evident every year when he sang Christmas songs and he never understood anyone who didn't believe in Santa Claus. Over the last ten years, he considered himself the "luckiest guy in the world" to be able to live with his daughter and grandchildren and he was extremly grateful to those that helped or allowed him to do so. The family will receive friends, Friday, September 13, 2013, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, Calvary Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held, 10:00 AM, Saturday, Calvary Hill Cemetery.