Daniel Fisher Daubenmire

Funeral services for Daniel Fisher Daubenmire, 73, of Dogwood Lake, will be held at 1pm June 1st, 2024, in the chapel of the Kirkersville home of HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service. The service will be officiated by David Daubenmire.

Dan passed away on May 20, 2024, in Newark following a brief illness. Ironically, he passed on the anniversary of the car accident that took his left arm in 1951, at the age of 7 months. Surviving this was truly a miracle, allowing those who know him to be part of their life for the next 72 years. He never knew life with two arms, and as a result never let his handicap stand in his way.

He was born in Lancaster,Ohio on October 14th, 1950, the son of the late Frank Joseph Daubenmire and Pearl Fisher Daubenmire. He was a retired steelworker from Kaiser Aluminum, working alongside his father for the first few years, and was a proud member of the United Steel Workers of America.

Dan did many things that would seem impossible for a one-armed man, including driving a semi-truck for Funnie-Frite Industries, climbing telephone poles to repair lines for United Telephone and operating an overhead crane at Kaiser. He also had a passion for cutting and splitting firewood using a chain saw that he had modified with an attachment that allowed him to use his "stub" to work as his missing hand.

In his younger years, his athletic prowess did not go unnoticed, as he participated in three sports from little league through high school. He could play any position in baseball, but found most success on the mound or as catcher. Many batters feared facing him, as did many pitchers when he was at the plate. In football he was a receiver, a barefoot punter, and a respected tackler. He could hold his own on the basketball court as well, with superb defensive and rebounding skills. Dan was a 1968 graduate of Lakewood High School.

He enjoyed hunting, many big bucks crossed his path when it was too late for them and ended up hanging on his wall. Rabbits and pheasants did not flush quick enough only to become delicious meals prepared in a cast iron skillet. A legendary fisherman who could not only bait his hook, but could remove his catch with ease. Although his drives on the golf course weren’t legendary, his putting skills were top notch. Dan was a skilled poker player, although shuffling the cards proved to be a challenge, he usually left the game with more than he came with. Try any of these activities with one arm and you will appreciate how difficult the things most people take for granted were for him. Above all Dan enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends. He was a former little league baseball coach in Hebron. Dan never met a stranger, and was the life of the party.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Susan Shannon Daubenmire, his sons Brandon Stewart Daubenmire (Marilee Boroski) and Daniel Fisher Daubenmire Jr., stepdaughters Rachel Tyhurst and Mary Bertok(Jason), and four grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Jane (Karl) Gartner, brothers Frank Joseph "Joe" (Sandy) Daubenmire Jr., David (Michele) Daubenmire, William (Brenda) Daubenmire, and brother in laws Joseph (Sue) Shannon and Steve Parrish. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by many, many friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday June 1st from 11 to 1 at the funeral home, 285 East Main St. in Kirkersville. A celebration of Dan's outstanding life will take place at the Hebron American Legion Hall, 108 Water St. Hebron, immediately following the service until 5pm.

The family prefers that memorial contributions be directed to Pass the Salt ministries, PO Box 744, Hebron, Ohio 43025.