The Board of Directors, staff and employees of the City of Hot Springs extend their deepest sympathy to Tom Daniel's wife Mary and Tom's entire family upon the loss of a great leader and tireless ambassador for the city he loved so well.
Tom Daniel always spoke of Hot Springs as “the world’s greatest place to live.” Evidence of his generosity, enthusiasm and goodwill exists throughout the community. A longtime leader of the Downtown Merchants Association, Tom “walked the talk” by investing in and expanding several businesses in the downtown area and beyond. He founded the annual Chili Cookoff, a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving week tradition that not only kicks off the Christmas season but raises funds to expand the downtown holiday lighting program each year. Through his fireworks business, Tom kept thousands entertained over the years with memorable displays at Spa Blast and many other celebrations. Tom and Mary were honored as the first King and Queen of the annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a tribute befitting downtown’s biggest advocate.
Tom served for eight years on the Hot Springs Board of Directors and 16 years on the Hot Springs Advertising & Promotion Commission, making many significant decisions that helped the city grow. His leadership and support helped projects such as the Hot Springs Convention Center, Summit Arena, Magic Springs, police station, two fire stations and the city’s animal shelter become a reality.
Tom cared about his fellow man, always willing to give and to help others in any way he could. His extensive involvement in his church, civic clubs such as Oaklawn Rotary, and charitable community events have a continued benevolent effect on many. A recipient of many distinguished awards, Tom’s greatest reward was seeing Hot Springs grow and prosper.
“We thank Tom and his family for their enormous sacrifice and service to the community, and for his remarkable record of achievement in helping the city complete a number of big projects in past years,” said City Manager David Frasher.
“His contributions have helped make Hot Springs what it is today -- a thriving, unique city and Arkansas’ premier tourism destination,” said Mayor Ruth Carney. “We are grateful for his legacy of leadership and public service.”