He graduated from Fortier High School in 1941 and enlisted in the Navy on December 15, 1941 following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of WWII. Dan served aboard the USS Heermann which distinguished itself in action as Taffy 3 in the Battle of Samar, an action part of the greater Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Battle of Leyte Gulf is the largest and fiercest naval battle in modern times and is portrayed in the book, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Soldier." While home on leave, Dan visited a shipmate in San Antonio where he was introduced to Charlotte (Sherry) Kelly. They enjoyed several days together before Dan returned to the Pacific for duty. They wrote letters for the next 18 months, and on his first opportunity to return to San Antonio, Dan and Sherry were married. Following WWII Dan continued to serve in the Navy and together with their daughter, Sharon, lived and traveled throughout the United States and overseas. Dan was the recipient of numerous military honors, medals and ribbons. He retired as a Lieutenant Commmander on February 1, 1972 after 30 years of service. Following retirement at Pensacola, Florida Dan and his wife attended Texas State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology followed by a Master's degree in Education and Guidance. For 10 years he taught architectural drafting at Churchill High School and completed his career as a substitute teacher.
Dan is survived by his wife of 74 years, Sherry Mendel; his daughter Sharon M. Richardson; son-in-law Charles J. Richardson; grandson Danny Richardson and wife Alissa and their two children, Dan's great grand children, Reagan Mendel Richardson and Grayson Daniel Richardson; grandson Cody Richardson and wife Wendye.
Dan was an active member of the Army Residence Community who was admired and respected by all who knew him. A Godly man of the highest moral character, he had a passion for reading. He was a history buff and always well-informed, loved his Ranger baseball team and the Dallas Cowboys. He loved crossword puzzles, Randy Travis, the Oak Ridge Boys, Mexican food, and ice cream. But Dan will always be remembered for how he loved the Lord, his family and all the wonderful stories he would share. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dan will always remain in the hearts of his family, cherished and loved forever.
A visitation for Dan will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Mendel family.
