Lt. Col. Daniel W. Emberton

Lt. Col. Daniel W. Emberton May 7, 1941 – April 25, 2025

Colonel Emberton passed away shortly after midnight on Friday, April 25, 2025.He was born in Cushing, OK on May 7, 1941. He graduated from Shidler High School in 1959. He attended Oklahoma State University (OSU) for three years and later graduated from St. Leo’s University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
He entered the U.S. Army after attending OSU and stayed for the next combined Military and Civil Service for 38 years. After five years enlisted service, he was commissioned a Lieutenant at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia in May, 1967. When they were filming the Green Berets, Dan can be seen in the last group running past John Wayne!
He served in Vietnam, Philippine Islands, Germany and Desert Storm (stateside). He also served with the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne Divisions. Colonel Emberton was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Parachute Wings and 19 other Awards, Decorations and Service Medals. (He foolishly turned down a Purple Heart from injuries received in Vietnam.) When Colonel Emberton retired from Civil Service, he was awarded the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal (Equivalent to the Army Legion of Merit).
He is survived by his wife Karen Emberton of 50 years (7-3-74); Daughter Tresa Maynor and her husband Daniel of Seaford, VA; Granddaughter Haven Kirk of Yorktown, VA; Brother-in-law Ken Klamer and Sister-in-law Gerry Benya both of Farrell, PA along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Father and Stepmother Clifford and Frances Emberton; Mother and Stepfather Verna (Young) and James Brown; Brother Ronnie Emberton; Sisters Patricia Sigler, Frances Shine and Jeanie Davis; and Brothers-in-law Keith Klamer and George Benya.
Dan was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Yorktown, VA since 1979.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1st at 11:00 AM followed by a service at 12:00 PM in Amory Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joel Neubauer presiding. Internment will take place at 1:00 PM at the Main Mausoleum at the Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, VA with full military honors.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dan’s name be made to Tunnels to Towers, P. O. Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0719 or your favorite charity. Arrangements are being handled by Amory Funeral Home.