Daniel McEachern Joslin

Daniel McEachern Joslin, 70, died July 21, 2017, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dan was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Wesley Joslin and Lottie Arnold Davis Joslin. Dan lost his father at age 10 and was raised by Lottie, who taught him well. He grew into a person who was considerably kind and compassionate. He also possessed an outstanding sense of humor, consistently delivering his story lines and impressions with impeccable and hilarious timing. Dan always viewed life through a prism of joy. Dan graduated from Magnolia High School and Southern Arkansas University. He received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). Dan and his son, Greg, were the first father and son to earn the MPA degree from UALR. Dan's professional career centered on federal service for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Galveston, Tulsa and Little Rock Districts. He was appointed Regional Manager of the Office of Personnel Management during the Carter administration. He received numerous awards and citations for outstanding achievement throughout his professional career. He was especially proud of the commendation he received for on-the-ground innovation dealing with the 1975 Vietnamese refugee crisis at Fort Chaffee, a designated refugee relocation center. Dan was a 28-year member of MENSA, an organization recognizing high IQ, and was a lifelong avid reader. He enjoyed building and collecting vintage Mustang motorcycles. His Mother and Great Aunt Ott gave him his first Mustang in high school, which he rode EVERYWHERE! In adult life, he developed considerable expertise in building, collecting and showing Mustangs and attended shows and competitions throughout the U.S. His other passion was his vintage Pontiac GTO. He was an active member of the Arkansas Pontiac Association and the Mustang Motorcycle Club of America. On July 16, 2001, he began his greatest role as "Granddan" playing the part of art assistant, dress-up model and story teller to his only grandchild, Paris. It was a journey he undertook with tender love, enthusiasm and zeal, especially the "dress-up" part. Dan is survived by his wife, Linda West Joslin, son, Gregory McEachern Joslin (Jill) and granddaughter, Paris Nicole. Dan leaves a host of beloved cousins and treasured friends. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Family conducted private graveside services at Magnolia City Cemetery, Magnolia, Arkansas. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 29, from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Little Rock at St. James United Methodist Church, Entrance 1 or 2. Anyone wishing to honor Dan's life may send a donation to St. James UMC, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.