Donald C. Dailey, CDR USN (Ret.)

Donald Charles Dailey 12/08/1943 to 01/16/2021 Commander USN, retired
“What I know of the divine science and holy scripture, I learnt in the woods and fields.” ― St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Don was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Aviator, Son, and Friend. He will be missed by so many for his quick wit, excellent character, and intelligence. Don was a blessing to all lucky enough to know and love him and adored by his wife, Julie, and his children. He was born in Lafayette, LA as the youngest son of Harold and Thelma (Muddie) Romero Dailey. His three passions in life were his family, the Navy, and his cabin in the woods of Virginia. Don met his wife Julie at college and they married in 1968. Their marriage involved many adven- tures, many moves, several Navy deployments away from the family, and lots of fun and laughter. Don and Julie welcomed three wonderful children into their family, who learned of other countries and cultures from living abroad, and are all now successful in their chosen fields. Shawn and his wife, Kiersta, live in Virginia Beach with three grandchildren: Rhys, Liam, and Erin. Patrick and his wife, Sue, live in San Diego, CA with their daughter So- phie. Katie lives in Bend Oregon and has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. All three children have made their par- ents very proud of their accomplishments, their families, their character, and their love for each other and their parents which is in no small part because of the example their father gave them in the way he lived his life, and his willingness to let them choose their own paths with his support always there for them. He is greatly missed by all.
Don is also survived by his sister and her husband, Joan and Vernal Comeaux. He was predeceased by his brother Tom Dailey and two nieces: Millicent Moreau and Vicky Dailey. He has four nephews, Dirk and Dwayne Dailey and their wives Tina and Felicia and, Zach and Ben Comeaux and their wives Shann and Donna. He also has many cous- ins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.
His Navy career included flying in E-1B and E-2C aircraft as a NFO for the USN. He was on exchange duty with the Royal Navy in Lossiemouth, Scotland where he flew in Gannets and deployed with them on the Ark Royal. Don was the Liaison Officer between the USN and USAF at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and responsible for coordi- nating interaction between E-2C and AWACS for flight operations. He also served as part of the US NATO contin- gent in London, England involving aviators from several NATO nations. His final tour was as Executive Officer of the RAG in Norfolk, Virginia.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette, LA on October 23, 2021 at 12:00 noon.
Don had requested that any monetary donations after his death to be made in his name to the Salva- tion Army. No flowers please as there will be no funeral prior to interment.