Herbert Arnold McDaniel

HERBERT ARNOLD McDANIEL, 90, of Bloomfield passed from this life Tuesday, 8-24-10 into the loving arms of Heavenly Father. He was born in Aztec, NM on February 16, 1920 to Fera M. Clara McDaniel. His ancestors help settle the Hammond, NM area. Most of Herbert’s early life was spent in San Juan County except for moving with his parents to various places for employment in the Southwest including Tooele, UT and Pagosa Junction, Colorado. Herbert attended school in Aztec, NM leaving just short of high school graduation to help his parents make ends meet as times were hard. Herbert enlisted in the Army/Air Force at the start of WW II and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre (Philippines) where he was a B-25 Bomber mechanic. He was proud of his military service and often spoke of his experiences including catching malaria while there. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at end of the war with the rank of SSGT. Herbert married Helen Barlow Wood in Aztec in 1950 and welcomed her children into his life. To this union, a son, Gary was born. Herbert had many occupations in life including truck driver, miner in Silverton, Colorado, and gas plant operator and technician. He began to work for El Paso Natural Gas Co. in 1953 and retired with the same affiliate in the early 1980’s. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Herbert had farming and ranching in his blood and worked hard. He loved kids, animals, and his friends and family. Some may have thought he was gruff, but if you knew him, he had a tender heart and compassion. His sense of humor and generosity will be greatly missed. Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Helen of 48 years, along with his brother James F. McDaniel and sister Mary Smith. He is survived by son Gary (Margaret) McDaniel and grandchildren Levi (Christina) McDaniel, Korey McDaniel, Kaley (Cody) Bennett and extended family. Visitation will be Friday, August 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street. Graveside services are Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 1100 hours (when the armistice was signed) at the Bloomfield Cemetery in Bloomfield with Bishop Gerald Spangler conducting. Full military honors will be provided by the local VFW and New Mexico Military Honor Detail. Pallbearers are Gary McDaniel, Levi McDaniel, Korey McDaniel, J.R. McDaniel, Russell Smith and Cody Bennett. Honorary pallbearers are present and deceased members of the 500th Bomb Squadron, 345th Bomb Group along with veterans everywhere. The family expresses appreciation to Herbert’s medical team and to his caretakers, especially Sandra Toney and DeLane Begay who have been faithful and diligent. Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688