Dan Heil

Heil Dan Heil, age 90, of Sunbury, died early Monday morning, April 24, 2017 at Willowbrook Christian Village in Delaware. He was born on April 2, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Carl Daniel and Margaret (Kellett) Heil. Dan was a graduate of Columbus South High School and a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the 24th Infantry Division that was stationed in Japan during WWII. On April 17, 1947, he married his childhood sweetheart, Martha J. Roberts in Columbus. She passed away just a few days shy of their 65th wedding anniversary in 2012. Dan, along with Martha were founding members of the Sunbury Christian Church in 1956. The process came full circle just a couple of months ago as Dan was able to attend the groundbreaking on the new church building. It was a proud moment for him. As a pillar of the church, Dan was a "longtime Elder and a lifetime hugger". His family will remember him as the sweetest, most humble man who had a special way of connecting with people. Even in the nursing home in Delaware, he had daily visitors to his room. People would just gravitate towards Dan and his warmth. Dan will be missed by his daughters, Jan Baxendale of Delaware and Sue Boyd and her husband, Jim of Sunbury; grandchildren, Alison Baxendale, Abigail (Justin) Gianndria, Kelsy (Jeff) Wiggins, and Kory Boyd; and great grandsons, J.J. and Julian. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his sisters Marie Keller, Eleanor Hugonoit, and Helen Maxwell and son-in-law Ted Baxendale. Friends may call on the family on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2-4 p.m. at the Sunbury Christian Church, 250 Rainbow Ave., Sunbury, OH 43074. Funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Mike Bratten officiating. Private burial will take place at Sunbury Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Dan's name to the church building fund. The DeVORE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME of Sunbury is honored to serve Dan's family. Special memories and condolences can be expressed to them at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.