Rex H. Daniels

May 19, 1913 - May 5, 2006

HAIGLER -- Rex H. Daniels, 92, died Saturday, (May 5, 2006) at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City.

He was born May 19, 1913 to Oliver Douglas and Hazel Edith (Hunter) Daniels on their ranch in Cheyenne County, Kan., and attended school near his home. After school, Rex worked for several area ranchers.

In 1931 he hitchhiked to the South Park, Colo., area where he worked in the hay fields. In 1932 he traveled to Sioux City, Iowa, to sell cattle. His desire to see the country moved him to once again to hitchhike throughout the Midwest before returning home.

He began acquiring property of his own in 1934 and he raised sheep and cattle.

Before entering the U.S. Army in 1942, he was forced to sell his livestock. He served his country as a truck driver for the 76th Quartermaster Company in Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1945, Rex returned to the Haigler area once again, where he became a rancher.

On Dec. 2, 1945, he married Florence Lorraine Reed at Wray, Colo.

He and his family continued ranching in the area, raising Hereford cattle for many years. He owned the "Three Corners" property, where the states of Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas join together.

He was a member of the Haigler United Methodist Church and a scout leader for many years. He was also a lifelong member of the Haigler VFW and American Legion.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Oliver and Hazel Daniels; one brother, Laurence; sisters, Edith and Phoebe; and two infant siblings.

Those who survive him include his wife of more than 60 years, Florence Daniels of Haigler; daughters, Patricia Ann Theobald and husband, Keith of Beaver City, Peggy Sue Deremer and husband, Bill of Shawnee, Kan., and Sally Fern Leinen and husband, Dan of Haigler; sister, Ardith Michals of Greeley, Colo.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. (MDT), Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Haigler with Lay Pastor, Keith Theobald officiating. Interment with military honors will follow services at the Haigler Cemetery.

There will be no visitation. The casket will be open at the church prior to services.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.