Mabery, Daniel Rogers

Daniel Rogers Mabery, of Floyd, Va., passed away Thursday, March 13, 2008, from complications due to cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Daniel was born January 10, 1933, in Roanoke, Va. and was raised in Salem, Va., also spending much of his youth living with his grandparents in Floyd, Va. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem and joined the United States Navy. Upon completion of Basic Training at Bainbridge, Md., he was assigned to I.C. Electrician School in Great Lakes, Ill. Completing that, he was assigned to the Destroyer Tender U.S.S. Dixie A.D. 14 and served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. In addition to Korea, West Pacific duty Ports included Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan and the Philippines.

The Dixie’s Home Port was San Diego, Calif., but also spent time in Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Valejo and Port Chicago. After Honorable discharge in 1955, Daniel settled in San Diego and was employed for 33 years as a Meteorologist in the Standards Lab of General Dynamics Astronautics Division. In addition to General Dynamics, Daniel for many years held a second job with Sky Chef a subsidiary of American Airlines. He also spent time tending bar in several San Diego clubs, including the El Corral Restaurant and the Moose Lodge. A loyal member of the Moose Lodge, Daniel also belonged to the American Legion.

Daniel was preceded in death by is wife, Betty Grace Mabery. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Rochelle “Rocky” and Brian Conroy, Floyd, Va., Dana V. Pokorny, Philadelphia, Pa., and Andra L. Shelton, San Diego, Calif.; and son, Daniel A. Mabery, San Diego, Calif.

There will be no visitation or services planned. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, Va.