May We Never Forget: A Tribute to Daniel Melvin Finer

Daniel "Danny" Melvin Finer, 42, died in Bella Vista, AR on Monday, July 29, 2024. Born to Robert and Millison Finer, he is survived by his wife, Kelly; their son, Benjamin; his first five children - "Batch 1" - from his first marriage: Naftalie, Thompson, Serenity, Meyer, Zeke; and by his younger brother, Jon, and his wife, Molly. He is preceded in death by his father.

Danny served our country in the United States Marines Corp as a sergeant rifleman (MOS 0311) via three front line combat tours during both the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom wars. After being honorably discharged in 2009, he went back to academia (his planned profession prior to serving in the USMC)  to earn a Master of Arts in Religion from Syracuse University, a tier 1 research school. After obtaining his MA he decided he no longer wished to be a college professor and went on to master custom carpentry which he did until retiring in 2019.

Danny loved spending time with his family: he spent much of his time with his wife and children by watching football, going fishing, playing with their german  shepherds, and listening to various musical artists.  He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and follower of Jesus Christ. Over the past four years, Danny started his journey in going through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), which is the process to learn the teachings and practices of Catholicism and ultimately led to him being confirmed catholic in April 2024.

He loved going to his church at St Bernards, growing in faith with his community of church family members, joining the Knights of Columbus, and in taking his wife and kids to mass with him.

Danny lived a life of service to God, his combat brothers, his family, and to his country. He actively demonstrated sacrificing for others, keeping the faith, and in fighting the good fight. He positively influenced and impacted those with whom he knew, loved, and served with. God Bless to all his military brothers and those who have served our country. Semper Fidelis.

"Trust and freedom saved America. Believe in God. We go by peace. Without love is nothing." – Benjamin Finer

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1 St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715, followed by a graveside service at  10:30 a.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 S. Lt. Col. Leroy Pond Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.