It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Daniel Ellsworth Frey Jr. Born in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, Daniel left us to be with the Lord on the 26th of August 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama. His passing has left a void we will feel for the rest of our lives. With Daniel’s departure, we honor a life lived in service, devotion, integrity, and selflessness.
Daniel was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy (Lentz) Frey and Daniel Ellsworth Frey Sr; his five sisters, Beverly Albright, Dorothy Craley, Catherine Garner, Patricia Grayson, and Linda Frey; and his wife of 66 years, Annie Louise (Bozeman) Frey. He is survived by his son, Daniel Ellsworth Frey III; his daughter-in-law Stephanie Tillman Frey; and his grandchildren, Kayla LeAnne Frey and Daniel Ellsworth Frey IV.
Besides his family, Daniel was most proud of his time in the Air Force. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, he often told stories about his time as a decorated fighter pilot and his 22-year military career. He also completed a Master of Business Administration degree at the Florida Institute of Technology and retired from Lockheed Martin before settling in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. Though he came from humble beginnings, he built a beautiful life for himself, his wife, his only son, and his two grandchildren.
He found joy in watching Christmas films, playing Wheel of Fortune, sitting on the recliner with their cocker spaniel Molly Anne, making the best mashed potatoes or clam chowder, or talking with family. You could often find him yelling the answers to the Wheel of Fortune puzzles before anyone else, telling stories about their many adventures, or cracking wickedly funny jokes at the dining room table with a Diet Coke in one hand and the best smile on his face. More than anything, he was incredibly proud of the home he’d built with his wife during their 66-year marriage, which they filled with endless laughter, immense joy, and unconditional love.
He will be sorely missed, especially whenever we see a plane overhead, have a Reese’s, or gather around the Christmas tree. He taught us the importance of watching over one another, showing generosity often, and never leaving our love unspoken. We say ‘until we meet again’ to the most devoted husband, grandfather, father, and most remarkable man we’ve ever known. As we mourn this loss, we will continue to celebrate his legacy of generosity, integrity, and strength of character which were the very essence of Daniel’s spirit.
Visitation will be from 12 – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Daniel ‘Danny’ Frey IV, Joey Locke, David Webb, Daniel Gum, and Brett Derrington. Honorary pallbearers include Daniel Frey III and Mark Tillman. Flowers can be sent to Daniel’s service.
