Daniel "Gunny" Whyte's Obituary
A funeral service/Mass will be held for Daniel “Gunny” J. Whyte, 80, of Longview, Texas, on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 1:30 PM, with Rosary Service being held at 1:00 prior to Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Longview. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 31st from 6-8 at Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
After a hard fought battle, the “Gunny” was called to his heavenly home on October 27, 2018, with loved ones by his side.
Daniel (Danny) “Gunny” J. Whyte Jr., was born in 1937 in the South Bronx, New York City. His parents, Daniel and Kathleen Whyte were both immigrants from Ireland but met and married in New York. His father was a retired police officer. He joined the Marine Corps in 1954 and was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina. He served in the 3rd Battalion, 34d Marines at Suez Canal in 1956, was then sent to Okinawa, Cuba and Guantonamo Bay, and then California where he served as a drone instructor from 1963 to 1965. In 1967, “Gunny” was deployed to Vietnam and was assigned to Delta Company 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, but was severely injured. After six and a half months of recovery, he was trained at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas as a dog handler and served a second tour in Vietnam. In 1971, while stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, he became paralyzed and had surgery at Tripler Army Medical Centre. He returned to Camp Pendleton, California and retired from the Marine Corps as a recruiter in East Texas in 1976. Danny “Gunny” married Nancy Jo Quinn in 1984 and together they had a blended family of two sons and four daughters.
Danny “Gunny” remained a Marine and true Patriot throughout his life. Most would say he was an unsung hero. For he always there for his “band of brothers”, his friends and family. Building a strong support system for Vietnam Veterans was something near and dear to his heart and remained so until his last day on this earth. Danny and his wife Nancy began opening their home to Vietnam Veterans many years ago, offering unconditional love, food, clothing, transportation, constant encouragement and whatever else was needed. Not only were they “there” for the Veterans but their spouses and other family members.
The “Gunny” made his mark in and around the East Texas Area but also in the hearts and minds of many of his fellow soldiers (“Brothers”) as he would receive many handwritten letters and calls of gratitude over the years for him saving their lives both physically, mentally and emotionally. He was truly a Marine’s Marine and and one of the most selfless men you will ever meet.
Danny was a dedicated and devout Catholic and attended St. Anthony’s Church, in Longview. He served as an usher for twenty years and was known as “a very kind friend to everyone”… “ a great man”. He loved his God and his Church and was a prayer soldier for so very many!
Danny is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Neil & Karen Whyte of Austin, daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Todd Paschal of Peoria, AZ, daughter Caroline Whyte of Pheonix, AZ., daughter & son-in-law, Danna & Burt Lindley of Longview, Son and daughter-in-law, Ricky & Carol Fowler of Diana, daughter Sharon Frasier of Henderson; Grandaughters Corrie Hunter and Michelle Phillips; Grandsons Clay Hunter, Brandon Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Justin Fowler, Daniel Jackson, Marlin Paschal, and Andrew Whyte; nine great-grandchildren. His sister, Rosemary Holmes of Vermont and beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Jo Whyte; parents Daniel & Kathleen Whyte; son Kevin Whyte.
“The Gunny” will be missed in and around town, especially on military and patriotic holidays, as he felt it was a privilege to honor all who served or serving and was always participating in those events, even dancing in the streets with the children. But for his family and friends, his passing means that we will forever hold an emptiness in our hearts but we are so very thankful and grateful for all that you are and have been to us.
Goodbye for now, our forever Hero. We will see you on the other side “Dad, Grandpa, friend, Marine”. May God bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Knowing you, you will probably be helping St. Peter guard the pearly gates!
Semper Fi….Oorah!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Vietnam Veterans Association, P.O.Box 627, Longview, TX 75601.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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