Daniel L. Daniel, 88, Columbia City, died at 10:08 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where he had been a resident since February.

He was born July 7, 1929 in Fort Wayne, a son of Louis and Thelma (Strouse) Daniel. His formative years were spent in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City High School and completed his education with Indiana University in Bloomington and Fort Wayne.

After enlisting in the United States Navy on June 18, 1951, he was united in marriage to Eldora A. “Dorie” King on Sept. 14, 1952. They made their first home in Norfolk, Virginia while he served during the Korean War. Following his discharge from active duty, they returned to Columbia City. Dan completed his military service and was honorably discharged on June 27, 1955.

From 1955 he worked at Flox Department Store until October 1982 when he began working at Wearly Monuments until his retirement in August 2002.

He was a member of American Legion Post #98 and served as President of the Columbia City Park Board from 1972-1973.

Surviving relatives include four sons, M. David Daniel of Keizer, Ore.; Douglas A. (Katheryne) Daniel, Darrin L. (Jill) Daniel and Marc D. (Janice) Daniel, all of Columbia City; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Jeffery, Matthew, Dustin, Zachary, Tucker, Tanner and Taylor Daniel; and four great grandchildren, Ashton, Aria, Jace and Odin Daniel.

Dorie, his wife of over 61 years, preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 2013, as well as a sister, Jean Daniel.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Honor Flight.