Daniel William Homes

Daniel William Homes, 68, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, was born November 3, 1957, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home with family by his side after a six-year battle with Stage IV esophageal cancer.

Dan was a 1975 graduate of Tremper High School in Kenosha and attended Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin. He proudly dedicated 30 years of service as a field service engineer with General Electric Medical Systems before retiring.

Dan honorably served in the United States Army from 1976 to 1982. During his service, he was awarded the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Rifle/M-16) and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 199 in Edwardsville.

A man of deep faith and service, Dan was a devoted member of Our Lord's Lutheran Church in Maryville, Illinois, for more than 30 years. He also gave generously of his time as a Boy Scout leader and Scoutmaster at Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville, Illinois, serving for 20 years. Over the years, he received numerous scouting awards and accolades and was especially proud that both of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Dan enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail-where he was known by his trail name, "Two Eagles"-and traveling to National Parks. He and his wife were able to visit all 50 states, ending with Alaska in June. He had a lifelong love for tinkering and fixing things and was affectionately known by friends, family, and neighbors as "MacGyver" and "Dan the Fix-It Man." He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.

One of Dan's greatest joys was working on and driving his beautiful 1970 Chevelle, a project that began when his youngest son, Brad, was in high school. Above all, Dan loved God, loved life, and cherished his family-especially his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "PaPa." Dan never gave up. Even in the darkest of times, he held onto hope, and taught others to live each day to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Daniel and Audrey (née Martell) Homes; and his sister, Deborah Coan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Susan Marie (née Jensen) Homes, whom he married on August 27, 1983, at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin; two sons, William Warren Homes and Bradley Daniel (Brittany) Homes; a granddaughter, Harper Rose Homes; two grandsons, Liam Daniel Homes and Clayton Bradley Homes; three brothers, David Homes, Donald (Sharon) Homes, and Kurt (Cindy) Lauer; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law, Jamie Zwaga (Lou) and Erica Gabik (Tom); and many dear friends.

The family is grateful to his oncology teams at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, and Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as for the loving care provided by the BJC Hospice staff.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, Illinois 62062.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Our Lord's Lutheran Church in Maryville, with Pastor Mauricio Vieira officiating.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to KAHOKstrong, a student-based organization that was created to assist students, staff, and families in the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 community during times of tragedy. Dan was the recipient of support from this organization amid his frequent out-of-state travel for treatment. Contributions will be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, Illinois 62062.