Daniel Webster McBride, of Paragould, formerly of Rector, passed away Dec. 21, 2016, at the age of 93. He was born in Rector on Dec. 21, 1923, to Irene McPherson McBride and Edward Alfred McBride. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Irby McBride, and his sister, Frances Louise Tracy. Dan is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters, Dana Speer and husband, Alton, Lisa Trent and husband, David, grandsons, Greg Speer and wife, Stephanie, Grant Speer and wife, Rebecca, great-grandchildren, Shelby and Austin Speer and several nieces and nephews.

Dan was a veteran of World War II, serving as a captain in the Marine Corps as a night fighter pilot. He resigned that commission to accept a commission in the Army Reserves in order to help start the Rector unit of the National Guard. He served as that unit's first Commanding Officer. Dan was associated with Irby Funeral Home from 1946 thru 1981 as a funeral director, embalmer and owner. He served on the Arkansas Embalmers and Funeral Directors Board and the Arkansas State Burial Assn. Board, serving as president of each for 1 year. He was on the board of Memorial Insurance for 20 years. Dan was a lifelong member of Rector First United Methodist Church.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Rector First United Methodist Church.