Danny J. Garrison

Danny J. Garrison, 62, from North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away Friday May 17th, 2019 at his home. Danny was surrounded by family and friends as he left this world peacefully after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Graveside Memorial Services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, at National Cemetery, followed by inurnment with military honors presented by Moline American Legion Post 246. Those wishing to attend are to meet at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27. Memorials may be made to his daughter’s education fund.

Danny was best known for his work as an aeronautical quality engineer on rocket boosters, space cargo delivery systems, aviation hardware, aircraft and space flight equipment.

Danny was born March 23, 1957 to Dorrell E. and Eleanor J. (Kammerman) Garrison. He married Maria L. Sanchez November 23rd, 2004.

In 1976 Danny joined the United States Navy where he went on to become a Deep Sea Diver 1st class. To know Danny was to know how he loved his experiences of being a Navy Diver. His knowledge, attitude, and discipline in the Navy were distinguished for making the crew better in deep sea recovery and ship salvage. Danny received accommodation for saving the life of fellow USN diver.

After leaving the Navy in 1982 Danny went on to work for various Aerospace companies while earning his Bachelors of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University. For the last 20 years Danny has been employed and excelled with Lockheed Martin as a Quality Control Engineer. Traveling the world as a quality engineer was a precious privilege for Danny. He was their “major disruptor of flaws in the quality supply chain” for his employers, bosses and suppliers. Danny thrived at being a quality control aeronautical engineer.

As an adventurer throughout his full life, Danny made it a point to share his knowledge with friends and loved ones challenging all to learn with him. “Don’t be a fu fu magoo.” Danny built model airplanes, ships and cars forming a lifelong affection for aircraft, rockets, ships, and autos. Danny was a licensed pilot, and an avid sailor. Danny enjoyed many ocean activities, shooting sports, car shows, and participated in triathlons. He loved to run every morning before going to work. He was an early riser and was frustrated when others did not get up and get going in the morning. Danny had the great personal pleasure of diving on one of his ships from his time of USN service, the USS Kittiwake, which had been scuttled as part of a reef near the Grand Cayman Islands. Danny enjoyed Saturday walks in the park with his wife and daughter. He also shared his love of dogs with his daughter.

Loved ones left behind that will miss Danny forever are his wife Maria, his daughter Dannyella, at home in Texas. Step son, Hector Rodriguez, North Richland Hills, Texas and Step daughter, Janeth Martinez (Eduardo Inguanzo) and granddaughter Iris Inguanzo, North Richland Hills. Mother Eleanor, Rockwall, Texas. Brothers, Todd, East Moline, IL, Douglas (LeAnn) Fate, Texas and Matthew (Lori) Garrison, Rock Island, IL; Sister, Melissa Moeller, Orion, IL, several nieces, nephews and many good friends, including David Hsu, John Dalton, Doug Rannow, Allen Kimball and Steve Reddy.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, his brother Brad and his good friend, Allen Larson.

A gathering of remembrance with friends and family with food and drink is planned for 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, at the Viking Club, 1450 41st Street, Moline.

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