[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO DONALD ``DANNY'' DANIELSON

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Donald ``Danny'' Danielson, a devoted family man, respected Hoosier 
business leader, military veteran and longtime philanthropist. Danny 
leaves behind his three daughters and eight grandchildren and was 
preceded in death by his wife of more than six decades, Patricia.
  Danny attended Indiana University and graduated with a bachelor's 
degree in education in 1942. But, instead of launching a career in 
education, Danny decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy, right in the 
middle of World War II. He served in both the Pacific and Atlantic 
Theaters until 1946, when he was discharged with the rank of 
Lieutenant.
  After his service in the military, Danny was invited to attend 
training camp with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but instead, he took a 
different route. He worked for the Alumni Association at IU for a while 
before starting his career at City Securities in 1976. By 1981, Danny 
was elected Vice Chairman of the board there.
  Although busy in his professional and personal life, Danny was a big 
believer in the importance of community service and giving back. He 
spent a lot of his time and money working to make Henry County and the 
state of Indiana a better place for its residents. He and his wife led 
the effort to relocate the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame to New 
Castle in 1990, and they also championed for the development of the new 
Henry County YMCA in 2003. Danny also served on the IU board of 
trustees for many years and donated $1.3 million to the Indiana 
University School of Medicine. He was also chairman of the Walther 
Cancer Foundation for a time, chaired the Fellowship of Christian 
Athletes' national board, and served as a director of New Castle's 
Americana Bancorp.
  Because of his outstanding leadership and service to his community, 
Danny received the Sachem award in 2009, which is the highest honor 
given by the great state of Indiana. He also received the prestigious 
Sagamore of the Wabash award and was named a ``Living Legend'' by the 
Indiana Historical Society in 2014.
  Danny was also my friend. I will always be grateful for the 
encouragement and support he gave me early in my political career. And, 
I know the city of New Castle and the State of Indiana will always be 
grateful for his selfless contributions.
  Today, it is my privilege to honor the life of Danny Danielson. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to Danny's family, and may God comfort 
those he left behind with his peace and strength.

                          ____________________