Daniel Lee Wilson

Daniel Lee Wilson, 85, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 10:35 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO.
Full Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Daniel's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, at the funeral home.
Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Daniel was born August 10, 1940, in Hannibal, MO to Edwin Lee Wilson and Goldie Mae Webster Wilson.
He was married to Gayle Youngberg Gay on August 17, 1985, in Dobson, NC. She survives.
Other survivors include his three children, Daniel E. Wilson (Peggy) of New London, MO, Diana Dee Chenoweth of Hannibal, MO, and Patti McClanahan-Carr (Bill) of Payson, AZ; stepdaughter, Nicole Lato; one brother, Dennis Wilson of Hanibal, MO; two sisters, Debbie Wilson McGee (Arthur Lee Jr.) of Monkey Run, MO, and Dorita Chabak of Decatur, IL; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Wilson; five sisters, Doris Mowen, Delores Gottman, Diana Keshari, Donna Russell, and Dorothy Ragland; one stepdaughter, Michelle North; and step granddaughter, Ashley Fulkerson.
Professionally, Daniel was a welder and fabricator at Surry Industries in Pilot Mountain, NC. Prior to Surry Industries, Daniel worked at Hi Acres Services Inc. in Forest City, FL.
Daniel's military service was nothing short of heroic. A skilled helicopter pilot and mechanic, he served two tours in Vietnam. His courage under fire was recognized with several Purple Hearts, and his actions led to a nomination for the prestigious Medal of Honor and receiving of The Distinguished Flying Cross.
Daniel embraced the life of a hobby farmer. His days were joyfully spent tending to goats, horses, birds, and sheep. His love for animals was evident in every aspect of his life; from the care he gave to his farm animals to his certification as a wildlife rehabilitator. Among his many interests, Daniel had an extraordinary talent for creating bird houses from recycled coffee cans. An avid fisherman, Daniel often ventured to Florida, where he delighted in the tranquility of casting a line into the water, patiently awaiting the day's catch. A man of simple pleasures, Daniel's enjoyment of a cold Natural Light beer was well-known among friends and family. Most of all, Daniel treasured the moments spent with his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.
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