Daniel Frank McGilvry

A beloved father and husband, Daniel Frank McGilvry, at the age of 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Red Bridge, Missouri. His last days were spent with his loving family by his side.

Daniel was born in Springfield, Missouri at St. John's Hospital to Herman Oscar (H.O.) and Nadine McGilvry of Willard, MO.

He was predeceased by his parents Herman, 92, and Nadine, 77, and his brothers, Thomas McGilvry, 80, of Republic, MO, and John (John Bull) Mike McGilvry, 81, of Ash Grove, MO.

Daniel lived with his parents and brothers and grew up on their dairy farm in Bois D'Arc. He had many fond memories and stories of the farm and country life, playing in the woods behind the house, fishing in the many ponds there, his pet cow, Sparkle, whom he rode in the fields, a beautiful white horse named Smokey and cats in the barn he played with. He had a passion for animals and nature there that stayed with him his whole life.

Daniel retired back to Lone Jack, Missouri in 2003, with his wife Vickie, on 5 acres and was happiest spending time at home in nature where he set up several bird feeders and birdhouses to attract Cardinals, Bluebirds, Redwing Blackbirds and many more. This became a passion with him. He lit up when his kids and grandkids came for long visits. He knew it was going to bring exciting memories, swimming, ATV riding, pontooning, fishing, barbecuing and long talks.

After graduating from Bois D'Arc High School, he went into the US Navy during Vietnam. His Naval training was in electronics. After getting out of the Navy, he lived in the St. Louis area and worked at McDonnell Douglas, Aerospace.

Daniel's career took him to many places. In Camdenton, MO, he owned and operated an electronic/entertainment store. He later worked for Bendix in satellite tracking and recording in Italy. He had a passion for Italy, especially Rome and their history. His family knew his heart for Italy. In 1980, he worked for Flight Systems in experimental flight testing in the desert in Mojave, CA, and Mission Control at Edwards AFB. (He was surprised that all 5 kids liked it there in the middle of the desert.) After Flight Systems closed, he worked 20 years at the City of Colorado Springs, CO until he retired in Lone Jack, MO. Retirement didn't last long as he went back to work for Bally's Corp. out of Las Vegas, NV, traveling all around the US to regional casinos as a field technician for the next 6 years.

Daniel had many passions which included playing poker with his good friend Paul Riffe at the casinos in Las Vegas. He followed racing with his high school friend Joe Williams and later his interest turned to Indy racing, which he was able to see at the Pikes Peak Race Track in Colorado and Vancouver, Canada. Daniel loved music from childhood when he used to carry a song book around with him. His favorite artists being The Eagles, John Prine, Loudan Wainwright, Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young and many more. Politics were also a very important part of his life and he was readily available to discuss his views and beliefs, and even educate those who wanted to learn.

Daniel was married twice. His first wife was Harriet S. Waldvogel and they had 3 children together: Michael Paul, Jonathan Sean and Rachel Danielle. In 1983, he married Vickie S. Grable who had two children: Todd Allen and an adopted Laotian daughter, Kim Lee.

Daniel was survived by his wife, Vickie S. McGilvry; sons Michael Paul of Farmington, MO, Jonathan Sean of Laurie, MO, Todd Allen Grable of Broadmoore Bluffs, CO; daughter Rachael, and husband Chris, Rowland of Wentzville, MO; grandchildren Tristan Rowland, Derek Grable, Kirk Rowland, Jake McGilvry and Ryea Grable.

Daniel was as passionate about his family, extended family and friends as he was about his other passions and interests in life. The relationships he forged throughout his life were ever growing, with most becoming lifelong. He found peace and purpose in remaining as engaged as possible with many of them. We were all truly blessed to have him in our lives and rejoice that his is now with those who passed before him.

A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Cremation in the care of Valor-Brown Funeral Services of Grain Valley, MO.