In Memory of Dan

I only just learned that my old friend Dan passed away five years ago. The news has hit hard. Dan and I shared a short but pivotal stretch of life together, and his influence rippled far beyond those years.

He was a Vietnam veteran, steady and grounded, who knew what it meant to come home from war and struggle to find footing again. When I returned from the Gulf, Dan was there — a friend, a mentor, and a fellow traveler who helped me reacclimate to society. We spent hours together at the Vietnam Veterans of Illinois gathering place, and through him I discovered the soul of the local blues scene. He pulled me back into life with music, camaraderie, and laughter.

It was Dan who introduced me to the Catholic singles group where I met new friends, and he who stood by my side as best man when I married my wife. In a real sense, I owe some of the greatest blessings in my life to his open heart and generous spirit.

Though we drifted apart as family life took me in new directions, I will never forget what Dan gave me: friendship, guidance, and the quiet strength of someone who had walked through fire and still chose to help others find their way.

Dan was a bridge builder, between people, between worlds, between different eras and those finding their way home.

Rest easy, brother. Your memory lives on in the lives you touched. You made a lasting difference in my own and I'll never forget you.

—John Spencer

I'm strictly a friend from Peoria, Illinois. I knew Danny only as a friend  between 1968 to 1970. He was the only one I had to talk to and if I needed $5.00 until pay day he offered. That's  rare in men especially. We enjoyed the same kind of music, loved Boones Farm and motorcycles back then. I was taken back when shown this. It has been years since his passing but I still would like to offer his family and friends my condolences. 
Laura Stutler.

And on that trip Dan gave me  a Saint Christopher holy card with a Prayer Before a Journey.  I am on an Amtrak train now and I carry that card with me to this day.  Tom Maddox

I was so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. I recently connected with a cousin on Ancestry that informed me.
Many years ago Dan & I had a chance encounter at the LA train station. We were in line to board & we exchanged pleasantries & shared where we were headed. He was on his way to Peoria IL and I mentioned that my family was from Peoria. He asked my last name and I said Maddox. He said his best friend was a Maddox. 
We then boarded & ended up sitting across from each other. We continued with the banter. He said his friend was John Maddox. I mentioned my cousin's name was John but that he had since passed. He said his friend had passed too. He then asked what were John's parents names. With the back & forth, we finally figured out that it was my cousin John that was his friend and had been married to his sister! 
We exchanged addresses as we parted ways and then Christmas cards after that. We both hoped that we could someday meet up again. That day never came but I have cherished that chance meeting to this day. 
Rest in peace Dan.

I hadn't realized Dan passed away and it is very heartbreaking to hear.  I always enjoyed working with Dan and saw him as a dear friend. We always laughed about Buffalo Bill from silence of the lambs and had many other jokes. Dan to me always encapsualted the true patriotism of America with his service in Vietnam and his working for Pabst brewery.  I will always remember Dan and his great heart and sincerity. I will miss him and always hold him dear.

I would see Dan weekly at VFW Post 2814 and periodically at the Moose Lodge in Paso Robles. We would exchange pleasantries and occasionally have longer conversations. He was a faithful supporter of both organizations and always cheerful.
He is missed.
Chris R.

Daniel Sullins, ‘Uncle Danny’ to me, was the last surviving child of Paul and Martha.   Uncle Danny was quiet and reserved.   A Vietnam Veteran, he was one who rarely talked about his time in the Army, but he did share several stories with me.  He literally went through Hell in the war, but since he rarely shared, I don’t think most people knew what he went through or how it affected him.

I always enjoyed my time with Uncle Danny and I’m sad that we lost contact after my mom (his sister) died a number of years ago.   

I hope Danny touched your heart like he did mine.   Like all people, he wasn’t perfect, but he tried.

Although it’s been years since we spoke, he will be missed by me.

OBITUARY

Daniel Paul Sullins

December 23, 1948 – July 7, 2020

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home

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