On Friday, April 12, 2024, Daniel James Mahaffey, went peacefully home to Jesus.
He is survived by his loving wife, Angie; son, Eli; father, Jim Mahaffey; mother, Dianne (Duktig) Mahaffey; brother, Ben Mahaffey; and sister, Laurie (Mahaffey) Harper. He leaves many other family members, friends, his sweet dog Daisy, and cat Luna, who will sadly miss him.
On December 30, 2000, he met the love of his life Angie and bonded over their mutual appreciation for God, music, books, and life. They continued to share this throughout their happy marriage. They wed in June 2002 and November 17, 2005, Dan and Angie were blessed with the birth of their amazing son, Elijah James. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he proudly and often mentioned. He was endlessly proud of Eli and always supportive of him whether it was school, music, or sports.
After graduating from Gahanna Lincoln High School, he went to study Music Education and graduated from Bowling Green University. In 2004, Dan told his family he wanted to be a Pastor and attended Mount Vernon where he received his BA in Religion. The family moved to Kansas City, MO so Dan could study at Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) where he received his Master of Divinity.
Upon graduating from NTS, God called their family to Buckhannon where he first was a worship pastor and within the year became a senior pastor. He also served as an unofficial pastor for the School of Nursing at West Virginia Wesleyan College where he made him available to the faculty and students and participated in the “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony. He loved the congregation and the community of Buckhannon. He was passionate about sharing the love of God with others. He would often refer to Matthew 22: 37-40; To Love God with everything in you, To love all people, And to Love yourself (paraphrased).
Dan has always had a love of music. He sang as a young boy at church, playing the tuba and piano, singing in choir, in the band at Bowling Green and especially leading his congregation at church in worshiping the Lord with singing. He played the piano and sang loud and proud!
Dan, we will miss you immensely. You were a “go-to” for many when life got rough, you were a beacon of sanity in this crazy world, and a comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on. You always gave it 110% and never stopped fighting for what’s right.
Dan’s passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering. His infectious smile and laugh will live forever.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Church, 3690 North Stygler Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Immediately following we invite you to the church cafe to share memories. It was his wish that we laugh, reminisce, and smile together during this time.
Forever Loved, Forever Missed, & Forever in Our Hearts.