Daniel Lunsford

Daniel Richard Lunsford (12/23/1942-11/30/2025)
Dan passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. A retired Die Engineer of 30 years with General Motors, Dan also served his community as a former administrator at the Dearborn Heights Moose, a volunteer with St. Patrick's Senior Center, F.I.S.H. of Dearborn, school board member of Gibson School for the Gifted, and in the U.S. Army, Intelligence (1961-1964).
Dan was the 8th child of Arthur and Mary Lunsford (Nee Eskew) in a family that included Wanda, William (Bill), Myrna (Bobby), Catherine (Patricia), Donald, John, Frank, James (Larry), and Louis (Eddie). The family grew to include spouses; John Nersesian, Rosalie Lunsford (Nee Enoff), Carol Lunsford (Nee Funk), and Lassie Lunsford (Nee Hobbs), expanding Dan's family to include 18 nieces and nephews, and more than 50 grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Dan credits the Girl Scouts of America and mutual friend, Margaret Charbenaux, with introducing him to his wife, Ann Lepine (deceased). Ann and Dan were married at Holy Redeemer (Detroit, MI) on April 21, 1969. Their daughter, Dore Ann, was born in 1971. Together the family shared adventures for 20 years until Ann's passing in 1991. Dan and his family enjoyed being active in local politics, frequent trips to the Grand Traverse area, and exploratory road trips. Dan was suckered into the theatre when his daughter recruited him to join the chorus of a production of Carousel in 1982. The bug had bitten hard, and Dan continued his involvement in theatre, both on stage and backstage; singing, dancing, flying, lighting, constructing and stage managing for the Players Guild of Dearborn, Dearborn Civic Theatre, And Southgate Community Players productions for 20 years.
It was through their shared love of theatre that Dan met his second wife, Camilla Longley. They met during a production of Brigadoon in which Camilla was his stage wife and she thought he looked good in a kilt. They forged a friendship, supporting each other through the deaths of beloved family members. This eventually blossomed into romance; Camilla and Dan were married on April 9, 1993 at St. Mary Magdalene in Melvindale, MI. Dan and Camilla shared grand adventures; traveling to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, and New England among others. They even had a whole cruise ship waiting for their arrival on their honeymoon. Together, they shared in service to the seniors of St. Patrick's in Detroit, continued their theatrical activities on and off stage, and enjoyed 23 years of marriage.
Dan and Camilla were an integral part of their grandchildren, Daniel Jude and Alexander Louis', lives. We had week night dinners at Bub's house, Dan patiently (sometimes) working through homework, lego's on the floor with Camilla, and everyone celebrating after wrestling matches. Dan and Camilla were a daily presence in their grandchildren's lives.
Dan will continue to live on in the hearts, minds, and deeds of his family; Dore, Daniel, and Alex, along with those of the many lives he touched.
"I had a good time".
According to his wishes, a private celebration of life will be held December 28, 2025 following cremation. If you are interested in celebrating Dan with his family, please contact the family by December 15th with your RSVP.