Daniel Paul Scarbrough

¬Daniel Paul Scarborough, 92 of Roberts, passed away peacefully Friday, February 5, 2016 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello, with his loving family by his side. Dan was born April 3, 1923 in Casper, Wyoming to John Jasper Scarborough and Nellie Dorrington Scarborough. He was raised and attended schools in Casper, graduating from Natrona County High School. His favorite subject was History. When Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Dan desired to serve his country; he made a pact with two high school friends, William and Kenneth, that they would all join the Marines, all three kept their pact. In January, 1942, he entered boot camp in San Diego, California. In February of 1943, he boarded a ship and traveled for three weeks to join fighting in the Pacific theatre of World War II. William was killed on Iwo Jima, Kenneth remains listed as missing in action at Guadalcanal. Dan ended up fighting bloody battles on the Philippine Islands, and on Okinawa, Japan and received The Purple Heart Award. In Dan’s words, “It was an evil battle; I was overseas for 31 months; I was one of the first to make it that long overseas”. September 2, 1945, Japan surrendered, bringing the hostilities of World War II to an end. Dan was overjoyed to be returning to the United States. He was stationed in San Diego for training and then received orders to Pocatello, Idaho. It was during that time, while on a trip to Idaho Falls, that he met Donna Edna Briggs. Dan was honorably discharged in 1945, and on February 8, 1946, he and Donna were married. They moved to Casper, Wyoming where they lived for 4 years, and were blessed with two daughters, Maureen and Daneen. During that time, Dan served on the police force. War with North Korea broke out in 1950, and Dan re-enlisted. He served aboard the USS Rochester until fighting ended in 1953. He continued his military career in California and Washington, as a recruiter. In 1955, Dan and Donna divorced. He was serving as a recruiter in Idaho when he met Elma Irene McNeal, they were married in April of 1957. In 1961, he received orders to a 3rd marine division and in 1962 he served aboard the USS Princeton. In 1966 he was sent to Vietnam aboard an army ship. He was severely wounded when a rocket hit his tent. After 10 days and several surgeries he was sent to a military hospital in San Diego where he spent several months recovering. He received a 2nd Purple Heart Award. It was 1968 when Dan retired from the Marine Corps and worked as a correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison for 11 years. In 1980 they moved to Washington, and in 1989 his wife Elma passed away. He returned to Idaho to be close to his daughters. Soon, he and Donna grew close again, remarrying September 19, 1992. They made their home in Roberts in 1993. Dan was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed traveling, attending military reunions, competing in sharpshooting competitions. He also enjoyed writing letters to the editor, crossword puzzles, bingo, pinochle, and wrote a book “Incident at San Quentin”. Dan lived an extraordinary life, served his country honorably and received many honors and awards but said the thing he cherished most was his family. Dan is survived by his daughters, Maureen (Dorian) Matheson, of Roberts, Daneen (George) Bailey, of Shelley, stepdaughter, Debbie (Fred) Galvan of Oceanside, California, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Elma, wife Donna, his parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Roberts 2nd Ward LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contribution to the Idaho State Veterans Home, 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, Idaho 83201-2727