Daniel R. Shaner, Sr.

In the morning hours of November 16, 2023, Daniel Ray Shaner, 66 of Uniopolis, Ohio went home to be with Jesus surrounded by the love of his family. Dan fought a longer than usual battle with pancreatic cancer, and passed miraculously in complete peace and without distress or pain. The two days before, Dan and his family were blessed with a show of love from family, friends, and neighbors who visited. Dan knew recognized and talked to each and every one—even those who could only reach out by the telephone. He was at peace and interacting with his family all the way up until a few short moments before God drew him and his final breath up to heaven to receive the fullness of his salvation and his mansion. He saw this mansion before he left this world and proclaimed, “God is right there”, and, “Wow, look how big this house is!” Dan loved to scatter birdseed out on the road every day. His “birdies” knew him and they gathered in flocks as Dan’s body was being taken out of the home to be transported to the funeral home. The birds filled the air with their singing, and they took to flight as the van drove away. Dan was an auto body repair man and painter for over 45 years. He was self-taught, meticulous at his craft, and known as one of the top auto body technicians in the area. Dan spent most of his career working at Clark Ford in Wapakoneta, and finished out his career working beside his best friend Sonny at Sonny and Sons Auto Body in Celina—where they would spend their work day singing Elvis songs and cracking jokes. “Dan-the-man” will be known forever as the fun and life of the party who would do anything to make a person laugh. He also wore his heart on his sleeve, loved so deeply, and cried freely as the spirit moved him. He was unashamed to share his simple, unshakable faith in God . Dan married Jeanna (VanBuskirk), his “Sweet Pea” on April 16, 1990. He became a beloved bonus son and friend to his in-laws Jerry and Sharon (Krock) Van Buskirk of Belle Center. He was the loving Dad of 4 children: Katherine (Bennett) Montague, Daniel Shaner Jr., Gabriel Shaner, and Abigail Shaner. He was also Dad to his children in-law, Kris Montague, and Heather Rolfe-Shaner. They all survive as well as 11 grandchildren: Raven, Lauryn, Shelby, Timmy, Maleah, Lilith, Wyatt, Sawyer, Lawsen, Wynter, and Michael and great-granddaughter, Nevaeh. To them he was lovingly known as Papaw. Dan was born on November 2, 1957 to William E. and Carolyn M. (Metzger)Shaner who preceded him in death. His sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Steve Rowe also preceded him in death. He is survived by his siblings: Steve and Judy Shaner (Wapak), William and Marie Shaner (Wapak), and Lori and Paul Tucker (Shawnee). He was a beloved uncle, fun cousin, and a dear friend. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sun. Nov. 26, 2023, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. In keeping with Dan’s wishes, his family will be officiating at his funeral service. The family will receive friends 12 p.m. until the time of the service, Sun. Nov. 26, at the funeral home. After the funeral service, the family invites everyone to a reception that is planned at the Uniopolis Fire Dept. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the funeral home to help with expenses. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Daniel R. Shaner, Sr.

November 2, 1957 - November 16, 2023