Mr. Ellis "Danny" L. Holbrook

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Ellis "Danny" L. Holbrook. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Danny was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

He was the son of Rutherford and Maggie Holbrook. Danny was raised in Okeene, Oklahoma. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Danny was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Danny's personality throughout his life.

Though Danny was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Danny was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Danny worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Danny was raised with five siblings. Danny and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Danny was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Danny was always tactful. One thing Danny will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Danny had a number of interests and was an active child. Danny took part in football, basketball, fishing, hunting and other sports. In his spare time he liked electronics and photography.

For Danny, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Danny was also adept at details. Danny was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Okeene High School in 1940. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

There was one thing that all of Danny's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Danny was such a popular person throughout his life. But Danny was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Danny was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Danny was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Danny was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Danny was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Danny made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, one of his best friends was Lee. Later on he became best friends with Connie and Dale Hennon, Danny's family grew up with Connie and Dale and their children and grandchildren. Their families spent almost every Easter and Thanksgiving in each others company, usually with Wanda and Danny for Easter and then Connie and Dale for Thanksgiving.

Danny was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Danny cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On May 31, 1946 Danny married Wanda L. Speck at the Justice of the Peace in County of Lea, New Mexico. Compassionate and devoted, Danny worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Danny and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Danny was blessed with two children, two daughters, Brenda and Julie. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, grandsons, John and Craig and granddaughter, Danielle; and one great granddaughter, Brianna. Danny was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Danny was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Danny would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Danny, and he expected the same from those around him. Danny was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Danny was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Danny handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was Engineer. He was employed for 45 years, working for National Geophysical, Honeywell and the Kinemetrics Corporation. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Danny was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Danny was a Navy veteran. He was with high ranking officers on a ship at Normandy. Danny saw action for three years during World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Radio Technician First Class.

A methodical man, Danny enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were electronics, photography, fishing and camping.

Danny was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Danny was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included fishing, hunting and camping. Danny also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and basketball.

Danny was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Danny was a very strong Democrat.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Danny well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of El Monte Southern Baptist Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Danny accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Danny was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included consulting on the set of the movie "Earthquake" on seismographs, one of his seismographs is on the moon.

Not only did Danny enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Big Bear, Green Valley Lake and the Grand Canyon.

Danny was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of his favorites were his dogs, Tippie and Corkie., who were best friends. He had his beloved dogs for over 10 years.

Since it was easy for Danny to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Danny was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1991. His new life involved relocating to Banning, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in electronics and consulting with his old company. Even in retirement, Danny stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Danny passed away on July 26, 2010 at his home in Banning, California. Danny had a long and very fulfilling life, but in the end he succumbed to heart failure at the age of 89. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (Ed) Keith and Julie (David) Darrow; grandchildren, John (Paula) George, Craig Darrow and Danielle Darrow; great granddaughter Brianna George; and brother, Donald (Betty) Holbrook. Services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Weaver Mortuary Chapel 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. Danny was laid to rest at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California 92518.

Danny was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Danny was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Mr. Ellis "Danny"L. Holbrook.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.