Daniel Dantes

Daniel Trias Dantes, son of David and Celestina (Trias) Dantes was born August 1, 1959 in Angeles City, Philippines. His family came to the United States when Daniel was 13 years old. He attended Redford High School and completed apprenticeship training through Henry Ford College to pursue his career at Dependable Gage and Tool where he worked for 42 years. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth, on May 3, 1986. They grew up together, and it was clear that God orchestrated that they would spend their life together. They built a beautiful home and life as they shared a love for family and the ministries they served in together.
Daniel accepted Jesus as his Savior and became a Christian earlier in his life and lived faithfully for Him. Along with his career, he also dedicated to serving in the church and an ordained pastor. He was a teacher and usher at Elim Baptist Church. He later joined Bethel Baptist Temple and ministered there for over 20 years in ministries including: deacon, teacher, AWANA, Teen Director, Choir, special music, bus ministry, camp counselor, retirement home preaching, Rescue Mission work, and visitation. In 2004, he graduated form Midwestern Baptist Bible College in Pontiac. He was ordained at Bethel and went on to accept the position as Assistant Pastor at First Baptist of Livonia where he stayed until 2007. Daniel then went on to serve as one of the assistant pastors at Silvery Lane Baptist Church. When Dan was no longer able to preach, he still found a way to share the gospel with others by faithfully waking up every morning and sharing a devotion by text message that reached many all to the glory of God.
There won't be another like "Dan". Christmas was his favorite time of year and made sure that everyone knew where the countdown was at for the upcoming year. His family joked that they knew that he was always the "favorite child". The siblings all cared for him because he was the baby, but also through his illnesses growing up. He and his brother loved to arm wrestle each other. In his early years, he enjoyed collecting Superman comic books, began his interest in science fiction which he happily displayed when he would sign "live long and prosper". For many years, his best friends would get together to laugh and watch Three Stooges together. Kids at church knew him best for his "Tarzan call". He would belt out songs from the very depths of his soul and meant every word - especially with songs like, "He's Alive". The more you got to know Dan, the more you understood just how much he loved living life for those around him.
Daniel was a family man and showed that through sacrificing his all for them. He was a fun presence in the room with "dad jokes" here and there and brought a sense of joy and solidity during get togethers. One thing that really stuck out was his signature "beep" of the index fingers. Daniel and Elizabeth together dearly loved their children and grandchildren. He was a true leader of the family; someone that everyone would reach out to for anything even in his bad health. Around the house, in family relationships, and in his community, he always showed his protective, loving, and helpful attitude. You could always count on dad to say "I love you" even in sign language before parting ways.
His life will forever be cherished by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Jackonen) Dantes. His children Rachel VanGarderen, Rebekah Massa, Daniel Dantes and David Dantes. His son in laws Andrew VanGarderen, Angelo Massa and daughter in law, Anna (Sharp) Dantes. His grandchildren, Titus VanGarderen, Lucas VanGarderen, Noel VanGarderen, Angelo Massa and one on the way. His siblings, David Dantes, Leticia Dantes, Norma Suarez, Celia Lacson and Alice (Nilo) Ocampo. He has many nieces, nephews, and friends.