Colonel Daniel Robert Steiner (Ret), Age 63 of Burnet, Texas passed away on May 26, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 24, 1959, to Robert and Eileen Steiner in St. Louis, Missouri. Daniel spent his childhood in Merritt Island, Florida. His teen years were spent in O’Fallon, Missouri where he graduated from Wentzville High School in 1977. He continued his education and received a BA in Political Science from Lindenwood University in 1981.
Daniel enlisted in the US Air Force in 1982. After a brief stint in the Air Force Daniel went into the Air Force Reserves where he served in multiple units across many states. While in the reserves Dan received his commission as a US Air Force Officer. He served in the Fort Worth PD and St. Louis County PD as a civilian law enforcement officer until he returned to active duty in 1995. Upon returning to active duty, he spent the remainder of his 32-year career in Texas serving with the Texas Air National Guard. Daniel’s military background includes experience as a Senior Intelligence Officer, Director of Threat Cell, Texas Air National Guard, in Austin, Texas, and Director of Joint Operations for the Texas Air National Guard with expertise in Defense Support of Civil Authorities coordination and disaster operations. In this role, he has assisted with various Hurricanes, to include Katrina and Rita, as well as wildfires and floods. Upon his military retirement in 2014 Daniel worked as the Chief of Staff for the Texas State Guard. As Daniel wrapped up his professional military career, he authored three novels and became a global events commentator.
Daniel married the love of his life, Barbara Marking in the spring of 1984 in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife enjoyed entertaining, spending countless hours on home improvement projects, and watching any sport on TV. Together they were blessed with two sons, Thomas Steiner, and Andrew Steiner. Daniel loved spending his days watching Thomas swim and Andrew play baseball. He took great pride in watching them both graduate from college and work toward their goals.Although he was a decorated war veteran, Dan considered his boys his greatest accomplishment. Dan enjoyed his time with building relationships with neighbors who became like family. Daniel loved Christmas and enjoyed decorating every possible structure or tree with Christmas lights. He took pleasure inspending time working on his property with his wife and his trusty dogs, Ace, and Jack. He believed in serving God, Family and Country. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eileen Steiner, brothers, Douglas Steiner, and David Steiner. He is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Thomas Steiner and Andrew Steiner, and sister Beth Mocca. He will be greatly missed by all those he impacted both personally and professionally.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Shimkus and the amazing staff at Austin Cancer Center for their unprecedented care and concern during this journey. We would also like to thank our incredible family, friends, and neighbors for their support during this difficult time. We are blessed to have each of you looking out for us.
A celebration of life will take place on June 25, 2022, at 10:00am at Walnut Creek Methodist Church, Round Mountain, Texas. 1153 Farm Rd 3347, Round Mountain, TX 78663. Please wear your casual best as Dan was all about his boots and jeans. Interment will be a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following charities or a charity of your choice.
American Cancer Society
Oscar Mike Foundation - Helping Veterans
Hill Country Human Society
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