Obituaries » Danny Nance
Danny Nance
April 11, 1951 - March 28, 2023
Danny Ray Nance graduated into the arms of Jesus on March 28, 2023.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Grandview Church of Christ (2736 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines). A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, also at the church. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery (4200 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids).
Danny was born April 1951 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Bobby Ray and Verna Ruth Nance, a young, love-struck couple from Ada, OK.
The Nance family had a short stint in Indiana before moving to Iowa in 1952 when Bobby accepted a job at WMT Radio in Cedar Rapids. Growing up in a home of baseball enthusiasts, it was easy for Danny to develop a love of the sport. He threw multiple no-hitters in league play, raising eyebrows of minor league pitching scouts. But an injury from a neighborhood football game ended that dream.
Dan had a beautiful baritone voice and often blessed those around him with its clarity. He was the one who would bring together a small group of friends or complete strangers to sing a Frank Sinatra or Andy Williams tune. Dan loved and recognized the “ring” of pure harmony.
Danny loved the outdoors and developed skills he used his entire life. Roses were his favorite flower; Dan helped design and complete a terraced rose garden for his parents. Dan’s favorite outside past time was fishing, born from childhood camp outs to Back Bone State Park and family gatherings with the Gates family at the Hopkinton Trout Haven. Dan was known for carrying fishing gear wherever he went, always looking for that pond which could hold the elusive largemouth bass (always catch and release). During a visit to his sister in Oklahoma, Dan had the thrill of catching the largest bass of his fishing career. Was it 7, 8, or 9 pounds? It’s Dan’s fish story; let’s make it 9. Another of Dan’s pastimes was playing pool. He was a great pool competitor and enjoyed the laughter and camaraderie of all his cohorts.
Dan worked for Bishop Buffets which began a decades long service in restaurant and bar management. With his discriminating palate, he sought out fine food and desserts at both restaurants and his home dinner table. His specialty was cheesecake. Dan also worked in car sales, which is where he met his dear friend Tom Holdiman. Dan’s career was in the sale, fabrication, and installation of granite and marble products for Rowat Cut Stone in Des Moines. He delighted in the finished product he helped create.
Dan graduated in 1969 from John F Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, and attended Iowa State University which began a fervent love and allegiance to ISU sports. Cardinal and Gold filled his wardrobe closets.
Dan was the best son, big brother, uncle and friend. But his true delight was time spent with his life-long sweetheart Sharlene, who joined him in his love of the outdoors and exquisite cuisine. Over time as Danny’s health became a struggle, Sharlene became his greatest advocate, devoting her time and energy as his constant companion.
Dan is survived by his long-time companion, Sharlene Dunlap; sisters, Nancy (Robert) Knutson of Porter, Oklahoma, and Pamela (Rick) Zehr of Iowa City, Iowa; six nieces and nephews; numerous grand nieces and nephews; and his son, Benjamin Halliwill.
Danny will be greatly missed. His kind heart and infectious smile blessed everyone he met.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to those devoted professionals on the 4th Floor of Powell and Younkers at Methodist Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Danny’s name to Adult and Teen Challenge/Sheepgate or a charity of your choice.