John Dant

John Dant left this world on October 19th, 2023 after a sudden short illness. He fought a valiant fight but his body was worn out and he passed away surrounded by loving family members.
John was born in Louisville Kentucky on January 1st, 1961, the first boy born that year. John was the ninth child of John "Jack" Dant Jr and Faye Gross Dant. Eight girls preceded John, making him the only boy and quite celebrated by friends and family.
John attended grade school at St Agnes Catholic School. He finished up his formal education at many high schools as he moved around with his family, including St Xavier, Pikeville High School and Atherton High School. John never pursued a college education but was a big fan of University of Kentucky sports much to his wife's dismay.
John displayed an excellent work ethic starting as a bag boy at a local grocery. He worked various retail and management jobs until at the young age of 26 he acquired a local bar called The Back Door located in the Louisville Highlands neighborhood and the iconic Mid City Mall. Over the next 36 years, John grew The Back Door from a local neighborhood bar to a popular full service bar restaurant popular for its wings and "satisfying" beverages. John was an excellent employer and was loved by all his employees and customers for his personable, fun and giving personality.
Several years ago, John started the tradition of painting customer's caricatures on the walls. This was a great success and he constantly got requests of "I wanna be on the wall!" Being on the wall was considered a badge of honor for all lucky enough to be included. Almost everyone above the age of 21 in Louisville and beyond have been to or heard of The Back Door. The Back Door is John's legacy and is valued and treasured by his family, friends, customers and community.
John was a huge supporter of many causes especially animal rescue and the arts. He sponsored many fund raisers and was always generous with his time and talent. John was very active in the Highlands community through donations to various groups and working with the neighbors and the neighborhood associations to maintain and improve quality of life in the Highlands.
He was so proud of his son Taylor and his professional singing career. John loved watching and listening to Taylor sing and perform whether musical theater or classical. Over the last year, he and Taylor were able to work closely together at The Back Door which only increased their bond as father and son.
John loved his wife Alice and many times referred to her as "my bride." They were married and 1990 and recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary in July. John was a wonderful husband, always loving and caring. John was the ultimate gentleman.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John "Jack" Dant, Jr. and Augusta "Faye" Dant; his niece, Amy Elizabeth Shrader; and his beloved dog, Kohl. He is survived by his wife Alice; his son, Taylor; sisters, Nancy Alford, Linda Clemons, Laura Hohnecker (Terry), Vicki Dant, Cindi Shrader (Paul), Jackie Merson (Paul), Jeanne Halloran, Susan Metts (Bobby); in-laws Todd Nickens and Kay Boone. Nieces and nephews Emily Sansbury, John Shrader, Katie Hohnecker, Kara Hohnecker, Becca Clemons, Matthew Sansbury, Paul Merson, James Merson, Hadley Boone and Adrian Boone. His dog Ryelee and family cats, Red and Jesse.
John had too many valued friends and business associates to name but he was especially close to neighbors Richard, Ed and Dan. The outpouring of love and respect for John is overwhelming from his friends and community. He will surely be missed by so many. John was indeed the "perfect person."
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 24th, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville Kentucky 40205.
Catholic services will be on Wednesday, October 25th, 10:00 am, at St Agnes Catholic Church, 1920 Newburg Road 40205. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery 4400 Bardstown Road, 40218.
In lieu of flowers, John would have appreciated any donations to animal rescues of choice and/ or the Louisville Youth Choir.