Oliver Hilan Daniel's Obituary
Born Dec 30, 1919 and passed away Dec 26 2008. Oliver was born the younger son to Oliver and Ruth Beecher Daniel of Longview Texas. He is preceeded in death by a sister Elizabeth Chapman, brother James Thomas Daniel, and son James Lloyd Daniel. Being raised in Longview, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a graduate of Longview High School, 1936. He later graduated SMU in Dallas in1940. Oliver served his country in WW II in the South Pacific as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he returned to Dallas to begin his professional life in the Oil and Gas business. As an independent operator, he was well known as a “Wildcatter” of the trade. Oliver was also well known for his love of horses. As a long time enthusiast and participant in thoroughbred horse racing, he eventually settled in Terrell, Texas where he built a small horse farm. It was there on “The Ranch” that he lived out his dream of raising his own race horses, hoping to one day capture the “Derby”. Throughout his long and fruitful life, Oliver was known and loved by many. He was a charming and eloquent man with a kind and giving heart. He was known as a man of rare character. In fact, some say that he was a “real character”. Oliver was also known as a patron of the arts and as one who helped others in their time of need. He will always be remembered for his truly unique personality and will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Oliver loved his children and was a good father. He is survived by daughter Anne Dickson Kehl of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and sons: David Oliver Daniel, Paul Christopher Daniel, and Matthew Gregory Daniel, all of the Dallas Texas area, and ten grandchildren. Also, nephews James Thomas Daniel II, William Oliver Daniel, niece Susan Daniel Hammond. Memorial service to be held at 12:30PM, Friday, January 2, 2009 at Restland Wildwood Chapel.
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