Daniel Alan Spence

With a spirit that touched so many, Dan A. Spence, age 61, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, after a battle with MSA-P.

Dan was the loving son of parents, Howard & Bernadette (Buchholz) Spence, who preceded him in death, and treasured brother of Susan Spence, Highland, Indiana, Cindy (Spence) Dougherty and late brother-in-law, David Dougherty, Winfield, Illinois, and Larry Spence, Portage, Indiana, and beloved uncle to Denise Dougherty (Matthew) Hoover, Sean (Christine) Dougherty, and Kami (Samuel) Flick, and great uncle to grandnephew, Aiden Flick, and grandnieces, Norah and Ruth Dougherty, and his uncle Joe (Judy) Buchholz, and numerous cousins, and special friends Rick & Lori Britton and their children, Simon, Emily, and Sophie, and dear friend, Christine Funkhouser, and a wide circle of cherished friends who became family.

Dan treasured his family and friends. His friends were an important part of Dan’s life, offering unwavering love and support through the years. He leaves behind fond memories and lifelong friendships that enriched his life beyond measure.

Cooking was a passion that brought him much joy. He and best friend, Rick Britton, started “Cooking with Friends,” many years ago and gathered weekly to share food, family, and fellowship. His favorite memories were of his family vacations to Michigan where he was a master of making every trip an unforgettable adventure. He was the pillar of our family, making sure we kept all the family traditions alive. His friends’ annual trips to Cancun were the highlight of his year, where he connected with people from all walks of life.

Dan’s career in the food industry spanned across 38 years, starting as an account executive at CGC in Woodridge, Illinois, to his present Senior executive buying position at Harlan Bakeries, Indianapolis, Indiana, where he met and developed lifelong friendships along the way. Dan lived a life filled with integrity, and love of God, family, and friends.

Dan was a man of faith and follower of Jesus; he exhibited many of the Lord’s divine attributes: goodness, kindness, love, patience, joy and so many more. Please join us for his memorial service below:

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, from 12pm to 2pm, with a Service to follow at 2pm, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dan's memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society