Thomas Maxwell Daniel, age 76, son of Clyde and Ouida (Hopkins) Daniel, was born September 1, 1932 in Love County, Okla. He died October 15, 2008 in the Salem Memorial District Hospital.
Tom joined the U.S. Army September 7, 1949. Tom made a career of the Army, retiring April 31, 1973 as a Staff Sergeant. He served his country during the Korean War and Vietnam War. When he retired he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood and decided to just stay in the area, enjoying the Ozarks.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Louise; and four sisters, Detta Massey, Alice Moody, Lois Pollard and Pauline Fain.
He is survived by his daughter, Patty Sullins, and husband, Scotty, of Salem, Mo; three step-sons, Steve Evetts and wife, Teresa, of Memphis, Tenn.; Danny Evetts and wife, Julie, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Tony Evetts and wife, Tammy, of West Plains, Mo.; 15 grandchildren, Michelle Stokes, Stephanie Ivey, Stevie Evetts, Matthew Todd, Samantha Todd, Bradley Evetts, Jonathan Glover, Anna Evetts, Stetson Evetts, Arista Evetts, Courtney Wihofs, Jordan Davis, Chandra Sullins, Deandra Sullins, and Cade Sullins; 8 great grandchildren, Zachary Grissom, Connor Grissom, Christopher Ellis, Skylar Ivey, Makayla Evetts, Hunter Evetts, Jackson Evetts and Kylie Wihofs; one brother, Don Daniel of Santa Paula, Calif.; two sisters, Neita Ashby of Ardmore, Okla., and Elaine Yount of Rockwell, N.C.; several nieces, nephews and friends made throughout the years.
Tom enjoyed researching family history and was well known at the area libraries. He also loved going to the coffee shops talking to his friends there and reminiscing about the war and earlier days. When living in Houston he would many times be found at Romines Motor Co. visiting with the guys. In the past, he had delivered cars for Romines.
Tom had lived in Salem with his daughter, Patty, the last four years, yet he never forgot friends made in the Houston area. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2008, at Evans Funeral Home with Rev. David Gidcumb officiating. Burial with full military rites was held at Boone Creek Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Texas County Library or Salem Public Library. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.