of Flippin, AR

February 17, 1942 - November 13, 2025

Daniel Gene Brakebill, 83, of Flippin, Arkansas passed away on November 13, 2025. Born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 17, 1942, Dan was the son of the late Alfred Daniel Brakebill and Mary Ora Brakebill (Henshaw). Throughout his life, he carried with him a deep love of service, family and hard work.

Daniel proudly served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967, including a tour in Vietnam. His dedication to his fellow veterans became one of the defining themes of his life. In 1968, he opened VFW Post 4999 in Chillicothe, Illinois, an accomplishment he always regarded as one of his greatest. For 56 years he remained an active, passionate VFW member, contributing to multiple posts, including the Bull Shoals Post 1341 and serving as a former commander of Post 3246 in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

It was at a VFW dance that Daniel met the love of his life, Darlene Oelschlager. The two were married on July 8, 2004 and built a life filled with companionship, laughter and community.

Daniel loved working with his hands and had a knack for building and creating. He found joy in beekeeping and tending to his hives, in peaceful days spent fishing and in the spirited fun of cooking competitions. He often shared the story of the time he was pulled over by a police officer, not for speeding, but because the officer could smell the barbecue coming from his barbeque grill on his trailer and wanted to know if he had any left. Moments like these captured Dan's warm personality and his gift for creating memories that lasted.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents and his step son, Larry Brandtonies.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene; his children, Lisa Joan Brakebill, Richard Gene Brakebill and John Daniel Brakebill; his step children, Will and Kevin Brandtonies and his grandchildren, Daniel Gene Brakebill II, Crystal Brakebill, Kayla Brakebill, Lacy Brakebill, Richard Brakebill, Derrick Brakebill and Tiffany Nierman. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Brian Brakebill, Deegan Brakebill, Dawson Nierman, Warner Brakebill and Lainey Nierman.

Daniel will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, his service to veterans, his devotion to family and the stories, skills and love he shared with all who knew him.

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