Garland Simon Daniel USAF Col. Ret.

He was born to Adie and Asa Daniel on December 24, 1919, on a small farm near the town of Camden, Arkansas. After growing up on the farm surrounded by many close relatives, he graduated from the University of Arkansas in June of 1942 with a BS degree in agriculture.

Among many activities during his college career, he was elected president of the Arkansas state Future Farmers of America program. However, being enthused with the prospect of flying and the immediate prospect of going to war, he quickly entered the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program and attended flying training at Parks Air College in St. Louis, Missouri, training in the open cockpit P-19. He graduated as a rated pilot with a 2nd Lt. commission in May of 1943. Col. Daniel then was stationed in Lubbock, Texas, for additional advanced flight training, where he met and married his ballroom dancing teacher, Deborah Lail. They were happily married for over 61 years until she suddenly passed away in October 2004.

During these years Col. Daniel had a 30-year distinguished career in the Air Force, spending most of the time stationed at such places as Guam, Tucson, Omaha, Montgomery, Washington D.C., Korea, Vietnam, and finally San Antonio. After all advanced flying training, then Lt. Daniel was on his way the Pacific theater as a B-29 aircraft commander when the first two atomic bombs were dropped, ending the war. He then continued to fly bombers in the newly established Strategic Air Command, and helped set up the 24 hour alert and rapid launch capability of SAC's bomber force. While stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ, his wing was the initial unit selected to fly the first jet bomber, the six engine B-47. The final part of his career was in various Pentagon and Air Force headquarters positions until he retired at Randolph AFB in San Antonio in June, 1973.

He is survived by a son, Col. Edward Daniel, daughter-in-law Carol Daniel, grandchildren Scott Daniel and Stacy Daniel Mullen, great-grandson Andrew Daniel Mullen, sister and brother-in-law Marie and Otho Roe, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ann and Robert Knox, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Dan was a very helpful, warm-natured person, always ready to help anyone in need. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.