Daniel Joseph Huizar

Daniel Joseph Huizar Sr., of Pine Bluff, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 85 on October 26, 2022, with his family by his side at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. Dan was born on August 18, 1937 in Leming, Texas, to the late Daniel Jesus Huizar and Elbira Estrada Huizar. His father moved the family to Vassar, Mich., after his mother (Elbira) died in childbirth with twins. He grew up in Vassar, Mich., with his 10 siblings and attended Vassar High School. After graduation, Dan joined the Marines at age 18. He served for nearly three years, and then enlisted in the Navy, where he served until 1963. During his time in the Navy, he learned his profession as a lithographer, which became his lifelong career. While stationed on the USS Lake Champlain he was a part of history when they recovered the first manned space flight, Mercury-Redstone, and brought Commander Alan Shephard aboard, May 5, 1961. After military life, Dan married the love of his life, the late Evelyn Mae Ciampo Huizar on August 10, 1963. They started their lives together in New Jersey. They had three beautiful children, Daniel Joseph, Jr. (deceased), Kim Lori Huizar Rose, and Christina Vera Huizar (deceased). After one visit and witnessing the beauty of Arkansas he moved the family to Arkansas in 1978. He moved around the state continuing his chosen career, but ultimately called Pine Bluff his home. They had a wonderful life and traveled as much as they could. Dan was an active member of the community. He was involved in the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce and First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Dan's biggest love was his family. He was always going above and beyond for his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He will ever be known for asking "How's the back of your belly button"? He never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. He will be missed tremendously. In addition to his parents and stepmother, Angelita, Mr. Huizar was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Evelyn Mae; two children, Daniel J. Huizar, Jr. and Christina Vera Huizar; and four siblings, William "Ben" Huizar, Henry "Hank" Huizar, Lena Huizar, and Emma Huizar. He is survived by daughter, Kim Rose and husband David; siblings, Vera Huizar Aguirre, Robert "Bobby" Huizar, Nancy Huizar McTaggart and husband Tom, John Huizar and wife Connie, Jessie Donna Huizar, and Darin Huizar; grandchildren, Stari Ewert and husband Justin, Zachary Mayfield, Aubrey Rose, Christopher Rose and wife Hannah; great-grandchildren, Milo and Remy Ewert; and many loving nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends. This short obituary doesn't give justice to this wonderful man. Until we see you again, Dan. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 15. 2022, 11 a.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. For online condolences, please visit FullerHaleSouth.com