Volunteer Dan Wilford

Danny Joe “Super-fantastic” Wilford has been a volunteer ombudsman since 2011 and visits residents at Milan Healthcare in Milan, MO. He graduated in 1959 from Gault High School in Gault, MO. Dan attended Trenton Jr. College then Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, where he met and married his wife, Carol of 50 years. They have three children and five grandchildren. Dan has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Psychology, a master’s in Counseling and Guidance, and a masters in Divinity. Dan has pastored for over 60 years and has worked for 34 years for North Central Missouri Mental Health.

Dan got involved with the Ombudsman Program when he saw the need for one in Milan. “I have always had the desire to serve people in meeting their needs. I enjoy meeting people and my daily goal is to deliver encouragement and help 8-10 people so that they live out their lives with purpose, meaning, strength and to live a more successful, satisfied, spirit filled life. I work to this end every day.”

Before the pandemic, Dan volunteered more than 20 hours a week. During the time he was not able to volunteer in person, Dan continued to make contact with residents at Milan and continued to advocate for them. Dan has spent a lot of his time not only volunteering for the Ombudsman Program, he also volunteers for Saint Luke’s Hospice and Hospice of Northeast MO. Dan is the president of the Grundy County Friends of Jewett-Norris Library, president of Milan Ministerial Alliance, Chairman of Senate Bill 40 Board of Grundy County - Family and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled, among being a member of many, many other organizations. In June of 2021, Dan was recognized for his service to the community by being named a Pillar of Community.

Dan’s upbeat and positive attitude is contagious. Anyone who comes along his path he wishes them a “Super-fantastic” day! Thank-you Dan for all the work you do! You are absolutely, unequivocally, “Super-fantastic!!!”