David Mackenzie Danser

1917 - 2014

David Mackenzie Danser, Col. USMC (ret) October 2, 1917-February 27, 2014. Col. Danser was 96. He passed away peacefully at Kindred Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Born October 2, 1917, in Philadelphia, PA, Col. Danser graduated from Germantown High School. He attended Temple University on an athletic scholarship and was an alternate on the 1936 Olympic team. He would have played a prominent role in the 1940 Olympics as a gymnast had they not been cancelled due to the onset of WWII. After graduation he joined the Marines and flew B-25 bombers in WWII. Col. Danser went on to serve in the Korean War as a MASH helicopter pilot. He was a highly decorated officer winning many medals including the Navy Cross and the Silver Star twice. His wife, Louise Tilton Danser, preceded him in death. Col Danser is survived by his four children and their families: David M. Danser Jr., Rick Danser, Christopher John Danser, and Pete Danser; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service/celebration will be held at 11 AM on April 18, 2014 at Arlington Park Cemetery, 6920 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Salvation Army.