Cicero H. Daniel

CICERO H. DANIEL
VICTORIA - Cicero H. Daniel, 95, of Victoria passed away on January 27, 2013. He was born October 9, 1917 on a ranch at Stratton, near Cuero to Robert T. Daniel and Alfreda Borchers Daniel. After graduating from Mission High School in 1935, he attended Texas A&I College in Kingsville , graduating with a Business Degree in 1940 and enlisted in the Army on October 4, 1941.
Daniel was assigned to the Army Field Artillery and got his first action at Monte Cassino. He was in the 88th Infantry Division; the first selective Division to be committed to combat in WWII. He was promoted to Major, then became Battalion Commander, 913th Field Artillery Brigade, and was the commander of over 500 men. The 88th was the first US unit to enter Rome on June 4, 1944 where he was one of a group of officers given a private audience and blessing by Pope Pius XII. He served 344 days in combat participating in Campaigns at Po Valley, North Apennines, Rome , Arno River and all the way to the Swiss Border.
He received numerous citations including: Battalion commendations; Bronze Star Medal (for heroic achievement in action); Legion of Merit (for exceptionally meritorious service in combat); Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star (for heroic service in combat), three Bronze Service Stars and various campaign ribbons. He was held in high regard by his fellow servicemen and by the end of the war, he had been promoted to Lt. Colonel. He was honorably discharged on March 2, 1946.
Within two weeks of returning from overseas, he married Mary Keller of Devine on December 4, 1945 at Ft. Sam Houston Army Chapel, San Antonio , Texas , beginning a happy marriage of over 67 years.
In 1957 Cicero and Mary purchased the Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Brownsville, Texas. During the years he owned and operated Daniel Motor Company, he received Ford Motor Company's highest honor, the President's Award for 3 consecutive years.
Mary and Cicero lived in Brownsville from 1957 to 1987, selling the dealership in September 1984. He was active in the community, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Association of Brownsville New Car Dealers, and St. Joseph Academy Advisory Board (serving as co-chairman with his wife), Active Adult Councilman, and on the Troop 3 Troop Committee for 13 years.
In 1987 Cicero and Mary returned to his first love of ranching in Lavaca County. He was a member of the Cattleman Association and a member of Holy Family Church in Victoria.
To know Cicero as a human being was an experience to treasure-his style of life which exemplified love, kindness, patience, humility and gentleness. Cicero was always recognized by all who knew him as a very loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather (who was affectionately called "Dad-Dad"), great-grandfather, and friend. He was always eager to help others any way he could. His family and friends remember him as one who could bring people together. He engendered trust. He was indeed a gentleman and a truly gentle man. Cicero leaves a rich and eloquent legacy-the best measure, the love of his family and the number of people who called him friend. That's the kind of legacy we should all aspire to leave.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Keller Daniel of Victoria, and by three sons, Bill Daniel and wife Jane of Austin; Dr. Charles Daniel and wife Melissa of Victoria; and James Daniel and wife Marilyn of El Lago; by seven grandchildren, Ellen Daniel Williamson and husband Kevin of Irving; Dr. David Daniel of Chattanooga, TN; Mary Blake Daniel Vint and husband James of Lubbock; Dr. Meredith Daniel Traber and husband Michael of Katy; Paul Daniel of College Station; Mark Daniel of El Lago, and Julia Daniel of El Lago; a great grandson, Daniel Williamson with a second great grandchild expected in early February.
He is survived by one brother Robert T. Daniel and wife Paula of Cypress, one sister Betty Jean Daniel Dondlinger of Mission , and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert T. Daniel and Alfreda Borchers Daniel of Mission; brothers Sidney R. Daniel of Cuero, Guy S. Daniel of New Orleans and Yoakum, sisters Margurite Daniel Jenkins of Mission and Houston, Roberta T. Daniel of Mission, Dorothy Ann Daniel McAfee of Plano and Seattle, WA, and Mae Daniel Jones, of Dallas.
Pallbearers: Dr. David Daniel, Paul Daniel, Mark Daniel, Kevin Williamson, James Vint, Michael Traber, Richard Dondlinger. Honorary Pallbearers: Cicero's numerous nephews and great nephews, nephews-in-law, and great nephews-in-law.
In memory of Cicero H. Daniel contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, to Hospice of South Texas or to Holy Family Church .
Rosary services will be on February 1, 2013 at 5:30 pm at Colonial Funeral Home in Victoria followed by visitation starting at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be at Holy Family Catholic Church on February 2, 2013 at 10 am followed by the Rite of Christian Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Victoria County Veterans Council, AL, CWV, VFW, DAV, MCL, MOWW, Ex-POW, MOPH, VVA and the KWV.
Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, Victoria, Texas (361-578-3535).