Final Salute

Daniel D. Gander, 81, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away peacefully and joined his Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Dan was born July 25, 1943 in Newark, Ohio. He graduated from Newark High School in 1961.

He enjoyed his work in the construction industry running heavy equipment. Later in life he helped many families find the new or used car which would best serve their needs.

Dan proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy Seabee and a Vietnam Veteran.

He enjoyed sports, including tennis and pickleball, and had a life-long love of horses and his many dogs.

He was married to the former Sylvia Hanna in 1964. They moved to Charlotte County, Florida in the 1980s and were subsequently divorced.

He married the love of his life Jeanette Kilburn Irons on May 3, 2003 and made her feel like a princess every day of their life together.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Harry Hubert Gander and Iva Smith Gander, as well as his son, John Kevin Gander, his brother-in-law, Walter Chaney, Jr., and his step-daughter Kelsey Jene Irons. He is survived by his sister, Huldah LaVonne Chaney, his brother Larry (Lois) Gander; several sisters- and brothers-in-law, and 7 grandchildren: Brittany, Jonathan, Jeff, Olyvia, and Sofia Gander, and Christian and Alex Nichols. Dan is also survived by his step-son, Eric (Stephanie) Patterson and Eric’s children, Cole, Brantley, and Reagan; his nieces and nephews Walter and Alma Chaney, Leslie and Steve Shea, Jill and Jim Perryman, Aaron and Diane Gander, as well as all of his grandnieces and grandnephews.

A celebration of life in both Port Charlotte and Newark, Ohio, will be held in coming months. Arrangements are with National Cremation Society.