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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 4:53 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Bill Daniel, former governor of Guam, dead at 90

Associated Press

LIBERTY, Texas — Bill Daniel, member of a prominent Texas political family and former governor of the U.S. territory of Guam, has died. He was 90.

Daniel, known by friends simply as "Gov. Bill," died Tuesday at his home in Liberty, according to a statement issued today by Baylor University, where his name adorns many buildings.

"We have witnessed the passing of a genuine Texas original, who has greatly enriched the landscape of our lives and times," said Brad Toben, dean of Baylor Law School and The Gov. Bill and Vara Faye Daniel Professor of Law.

Daniel, a graduate of the Waco school, was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the governorship of Guam from 1961 to 1963.

Daniel was a practicing trial lawyer for more than 60 years and served as a member of the Texas House representing southeast Texas.

He played the role of Col. Neill in the 1960 film "The Alamo," starring John Wayne. Daniel also provided 400 longhorns, hundreds of horses and props for the film from his ranch along the Trinity River.

He and his wife, Vara, were involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors. She died in 1987.

Daniel's brother, Price Daniel Sr., was a Texas governor and U.S. senator. He died in 1988.

Survivors include three daughters; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are set for Friday at First United Methodist Church in Liberty, near Houston.