Dan Toler

Dan Toler, passed away on Mon. Feb. 25, 2013 at home in his sleep after a gallant fight against A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Dan was born in Connersville, Ind. on Sept. 23, 1948 to George and Annas Toler. He went to school in Connersville and graduated from CHS. From the age of 12, Dan knew he wanted to play the guitar after listening to such greats as B.B. King, Chet Atkins, and Bobby Bland. His first band consisted of him (14) and his brother David "Frankie" Toler (11). At age 18, Danny moved to Cincinnati to watch players like Lonnie Mack & B.B. King, and tried to learn their licks. Danny played by ear and was a quick learner. In 1969 a band he played with called Melting Pot opened for the Allman Brothers Band where he met Gregg and the other members, including Dicky Betts. In 1975, Dan moved to the Bradenton / Sarasota area. Shortly thereafter, Dicky Betts called Dan and wanted him to play in his Great Southern band and that there was a ticket waiting for him at the airport. Dan's career had finally taken off. Dan (along with brother Frankie) played with the band from 1975 thru early 1979 when they joined the Allman Brothers Band. Dan was tagged with the nickname "Dangerous" Dan Toler because of his hot guitar licks. Dan continued to play with the Gregg Allman Band 1982-1989 gaining popularity and awards along the way. Among them was being named "guitarist of the year" by blues guitar magazine in 1988, and a gold record for the album "I'm No Angel" with the GAB. Dan also co-wrote many songs with Gregg, Dicky and others. In his 50 yr. career, Danny has shared the stage with such greats as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Charlie Daniels, Carlos Santana, Stephen Stills, and many more, and he shined as brightly as any. star on the stage. Dan's beloved wife of 34 yrs, Debby was at his side through Danny's success as a guitar hero, and to the end of his courageous fight with A.L.S. Danny was predeceased by his parents, George and Annas, and his brother David "Frankie" Toler (2011). Survivors include his loving wife Debby, daughter Danielle (& husband Dan) Franz, Debby's beloved mother, Louise Rose, his sister Dolores Crank (Indiana) and his "friends to the end", Bill Holzmark, Chaz Trippy, Dr. Steven Tucci, and Steve Fayette. He is also survived by his numerous family members, friends and fans. A Memorial Service will be held on Sat. March 9th at 1 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, at 12th St and Beneva in Sarasota. All are invited to attend. Donations may be made in Dan's name to Hospice and the fight against A.L.S. Dan Toler has left our earthly stage for his final encore. R.I.P. Brother. KJM, MRS, SKD, MJL.