Alston Mosher “Al” Daniels began his 94-year journey of life on a farm north of Smith Center, KS on May 3, 1923 and made his final flight on September 9, 2017.  One of seven children born to Merritt and Grace (Buchanan) Daniels, he moved with his family to Galt, CA in 1936 as part of the dust bowl exodus.  After high school graduation in 1941, he attended Sacramento Junior College before entering the Army Air Force/Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program in late 1942.  After earning his pilot wings, Al qualified in the C-47 Goony Bird and served in the European theater during WWII providing support to Gen Patton’s Third Army.  In November 1946, he separated from active duty and entered the Air Force Reserves.  He was recalled to active duty in December 1948, and qualified as a B-36 pilot and nuclear weaponeer.  Al retired in May 1967 as a lieutenant colonel command pilot with 3,400 hours in 15 different aircraft including 2,000 hours in C-47s and 700 hours in the B-36.

Al married the love of his life, Jacqueline Robinson in July 1948 and they were married for over 68 years before she passed in October 2016.  Al and Jackie moved to Cheney, WA in 1990 from Bellevue, WA.  Surviving Al is daughter, Sandy (Mike) Billings (Cheney, WA), Al Jr. (Cheney, WA) and daughter Marcia Mendes (Eugene, OR).  Also surviving are one brother, Verlyn (Julie) Daniels (CA) and one sister, Eloise (Stan) Dinkel (Chelan, WA).  Al was the proud grandfather to six grandsons (one deceased) including Ian (Karisa) Buvit (OR) and one granddaughter, Jamie (Ron) Nolting (Colbert, WA).  He also had eleven great-grandchildren (one deceased) and four great-great grandchildren as part of his rich and loving legacy.

Throughout his life, Al remained a true patriot who loved God, country and family.  He was a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association and the Order of Daedalians.  In 2010, accompanied by his daughter Sandy, he went on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC and cherished the experience.  He was passionate about pinochle and baseball and attended many Spokane Indian games with his long-time friend Tom (Charlie) Jarms (Cheney, WA). Despite his love of the Seattle Mariners, his life-long dream was realized when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016.  He leaves us with incredible stories of a different time in our society and many memories that bring warmth and laughter to each day.

Please watch the video the family has provided in lieu of a service. 

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