Daniel E. Speilman, Jr., of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away on July 6, 2019 surrounded by family at his home.

He was born to parents Daniel and Faye Speilman, on November 3, 1943 in Beckley, West Virginia.

Dan graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1961 and then received his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1965. He married Nancy, the love of his life on November 20, 1965, after completing Ranger School.

A boy from a small town with humble beginnings, big dreams and a drive so strong to accomplish all that he set his heart and mind to. He first and foremost wanted to be a soldier to protect our great country; to be a doctor to care for those in need; and every Christmas morning he would look out the window in hopes to see a horse tied to the front porch of his parents' home.

Dan's legacy began as a Recon Platoon Leader with the 25th Infantry Division, ¾ Calvary Regiment in B Troop, in 1966, operating out of Cu Chi, Vietnam. He was an excellent soldier and leader in combat with the following accomplishments: National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with OLC and "V" Device, Bronze Star Medal with OLC and "V" Device, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal First Class, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Rangers Tab, and Parachutist Badge.

Following his service in Vietnam, Dan then earned a master's degree in Latin American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, and taught in the ES & GS Department at West Point. He completed Medical School at The University of Texas at San Antonio, via a military scholarship. He then became a Board Certified Surgeon in both ENT Head and Neck Micro Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He served as Assistant Chief of ENT and Chief for the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Following his retirement from the military, with the rank of Colonel, he operated successful medical practices in both Northern Virginia and Lewisburg, West Virginia

. Among his most cherished memories were the weekends spent at the horse shows with his daughters and beloved horses, Staccato and Stormy. They traveled all over the East Coast with their "gang" and he would always be ringside anxiously waiting to hear the results and living vicariously through them in spirit. He developed and restored a beautiful farm in Virginia to an equestrian center, and enjoyed evenings riding his Massey Ferguson tractor through the fields. Many family gatherings were enjoyed on this farm and those memories will forever be treasured.

A life truly well lived and his light will continue to shine in all of us that he loved.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Daniel E. Speilman III, wife, Melanie and their children, Maddison and Makenzie. His daughters: Trina and her children Steven and Katie; Angeline and her daughter Alexa, as well as Molly and her daughter, Lilly. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Arlington Cemetery, with burial to follow.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral is in charge of arrangements.