Daniel E. Gullion

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Daniel E. Gullion who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Daniel was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Daniel knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Daniel was born on April 13, 1960 at Univeristy of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. His parents were Edward and Alberta Gullion. Daniel was raised in Davenport, Iowa. Even as a youngster, Daniel learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Daniel was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Daniel was raised with four siblings. He had two older brothers, Rod and Eddie, a younger brother, Harry and a younger sister, Bobbie. Daniel had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Daniel, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Daniel's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Daniel enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Daniel took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked collecting baseball cards and comic books.

      In school, Daniel's favorite subject was Math. He worked hard at Scott Community College to earn his GED.

      Daniel was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Daniel was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Daniel came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Allen Reed, Rick O'Mahoney and Dale Rockhold. Later in life, he became friends with Dale and Carol Rockhold, Don and Paula Ortner, Doug and Nancy Hutchison.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Daniel reveled in the security of his family. On August 16, 1980 Daniel exchanged wedding vows with Debra Lynn Carter at the Scott County Courthouse of Davenport, Iowa. One of Daniel’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Daniel was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Daniel would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Daniel was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Daniel, Jr. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Isabelle, Carter, Lincoln, Jazlynn, Sienna and Abigail.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Daniel was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Daniel was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Daniel upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a shipping clerk for thrity-eight years at Sears Manufacturing. Daniel was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Daniel approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hunting, camping, playing video games, cards and bingo. Daniel was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Daniel to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golfing and bowling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and college basketball.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Daniel used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Daniel had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Wisconsin Dalls, Florida, South Dakota and Colorado.

      Daniel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Daniel’s favorites was Sheba, a Doberman. They were best friends for ten years. His family was rounded out by his several cats and dogs throuth the years. Most recently they had two cats, Katniss and Skitters.

      Daniel passed away on October 5, 2018 at Genesis East Medical Center, Davenport, Iowa. Daniel had a heart attack. He is survived by wife, Debby; children, Jennifer (Nich) Hinrichs and Daniel (Connie) Gullion; grandchildren: Carter, Isabelle, Lincoln, Jazlynn, Sienna and Abigail; siblings: Edward Gullion, Harry (Cindy) Bonnell and Roberta Neese; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother, Rodney Gullion. Services were held in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Daniel was cremated and was taken home.

      All who knew him would agree that Daniel was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Daniel E. Gullion did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

* * * * * * * * * *