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Dan Lynn Risner, 69, of Bellefontaine, passed away Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with dementia. Dan was good natured, made friends easily and always had a big smile. He had a winsome personality and a contagious laugh.
Dan graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1966. He attained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Urbana University and a master’s of education from Wright State University.
He was preceded in death by his parents, HK and Esther Nye Risner.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years Donna Downing Risner; six children, Dana (Deon) Weatherspoon of Troy, Dena (Todd) Hostetler of West Liberty, Hope (Bob) Batty of Versailles, Paul (Lindsay) Risner of Atlanta, Ga., Beth (Shawn) Davie of Bellefontaine and John (Rachel) Risner of Mansfield; 22 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Nixon of Lima, Judi (Jack) Risner Gardner of Bellefontaine, H. Kent (Shelley) Risner of Mansfield and Doug (Jon Anderson) Risner of Detroit, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dan was a follower of Jesus and trusted in Christ as his Savior. He accepted God’s free gift of salvation and was saved by the grace of God. As the Apostle Paul writes, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8.
He was a world traveler. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam conflict. He also spent three years as an educator in Germany, and traveled to Kenya to assist with providing fresh water to Africans. He loved to travel and had visited all 50 states.
Dan followed his father’s footsteps and worked for the railroad while completing his education. He retired as a special education teacher from Bellefontaine City Schools. He served as a township trustee for eight years and was an avid sports fan. He loved to cheer on his kids and grandkids in sports. He served as a coach, referee and sports writer. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was an avid runner, completing numerous marathons.
The funeral service is at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Bellefontaine Church of Christ in Christian Union, 669 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, where calling begins at 11 a.m. Pastor Brad Angus officiates. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Logan County History Center, 521 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine. Express condolences at www.edsfh.com.