Mike Danielson
October 23, 1949 – July 9, 2021
Mike Danielson was met at heavens gates by his father, Bill O. Danielson; mother, Era Perryman Danielson; older brother, Terry Wayne Danielson and baby sister, Debra Danielson Kline.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Janie Smith Danielson; granddaughter, Cadence Kyle; adopted son, Michael Spencer (former Marine and current Army Sergeant); sister-in-law, Shirley Little; nieces, Renee Lowrimore and Candy Millward; and nephew, Chad Millward, who is a chopper pilot for the California Highway Patrol. He is also survived by great nephews, Chance Lowrimore, Chase Millward and Cole Millward; and great nieces, Holly Adams, Meagan Hanna, Raychell Rogers and Cassie Millward.
Mike graduated from John Tyler Highschool in 1968 and went on to earn his criminal psychology and fire technology degrees at Tyler Junior College. He was enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1969, in the armor division, SP5. He served during the Vietnam war, doing repair, recovery of radios and equipment from fallen planes. During his service, Sergeant Danielson, went on to earn two Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, the National Defense Service Medal and was an Expert Rifleman. Years later, he would be helpful to many Vietnam Vets to get compensation of their benefits and help OIF and OEF veterans with combat related traumas.
After his service, Mike went on to serve the community by becoming a Police Officer in Whitehouse, Texas. Shortly thereafter, he then worked for the Smith County Sheriff’s Department. He then joined the Kilgore Fire Department, where Mike trained under Red Adair. Mike went on to finish his firefighting career in Palestine, Texas; where he served 28 years. He loved being a firefighter. He and the “A team” were family, doing many fun things together and pulling pranks on one another. He would come home after his 24-hour shift, already planning the next prank he would pull on friends.
Mike had many hobbies and lived life to the fullest. He competed in disco dance competitions, raced sailboats, played many rounds of Golf; in which he got 2 hole-in-ones at Peach Tree Oakhurst, was a semi-pro fisherman, where he fished avidly with Henry Asberry, trying out all the lakes, and loved jet skiing, splashing anyone and everyone that he could. Mike rode in Motorcycle clubs with his best buddy Mike Phillips. His 1928 Model A Roadster started his love of collecting classic cars. He did dirt track racing every Saturday night (55) and was asked to join Copperhead Row car club and Corvette club. He enjoyed all the car shows around East Texas and became dear friends with many other car enthusiasts he met along the way. Mike also had a love for Jeeps, in which he was also asked, and joined the “903 Jeep club.” Mike’s other hobby was one that gave him a real mission; Mike strictly charged and rendered himself to gather gifts for children under “Toys for Tots” around Christmas time.
Most recently Mike could be found on the open road, traveling in his motorhome to meet friends from the east and the west coast. Behind that motorhome, Mike would be pulling his beloved “Oh So Sexy” 1955 Chevrolet convertible. Annually, he cruised the coast, meeting friends in Buloxi, MS; specifically, Eddie McDaniel (aka Mississippi Santa Claus) and his loving family. He would spend 10 days at a time with friends; showing cars, laughing, eating pizza, talking and repairing broken parts on those wonderful ol’ cars. Driving the beach road in the blazing sun, hair flying, hats blowing off all the time and we just laughed and laughed, enjoying every minute. This year would have been our 25th year of cruising the coast. Mr. D will be there with me!!! I loved him so much and I know that he loved me.
Mike had a wall built around him but he truly had a servant’s heart!!! He knew the Lord Jesus Christ-was saved as a young man in Vietnam-he said Jesus had his back!!! He said that many nights, He would fall asleep without ending his prayers in “Amen.” We talked about it and I believe he went to sleep in the Lord’s arms… The same way he did in my arms at 3:45pm last Friday when he took his last Earthly breath.
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