Dan McIlrath died on January 19, 2015, surrounded by those that he loved and those that loved him, on a sunny blue skied day in the house he loved overlooking the old mill on Sugar Creek near Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Dearest husband and proud father of seven, grandfather of thirteen, and great-grandfather of eight, he is survived by them all as well as two loving daughters-in-law and three admiring sons-in-law. His father, mother and brother all preceded him in death.
Dan was born on May 18th, 1928 in Carroll County Indiana to Mable (Patty) and Lester L. McIlrath. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha McCord 66 years ago on December 27th, 1948 at St. Vincent's Church in Logansport, Indiana.
While at Logansport High School, Dan was a 16 letter athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, and track as a sprinter and hurdler. He was the last student at LHS to earn a varsity letter in every sport offered.
Dan joined the United States Navy one week after high school graduation and served his country in the shore patrol. After the Navy, Dan studied Physical Education at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. Dan played both sides of the ball, Defensive End and Tight End as number 33 for the Boilermakers, lean and mean after carrying hod in summers to build the red brick residence halls at Purdue, and after his coach hired the team out to the railroad to get them in shape without the benefit of today's modern gyms. He remained a true and loyal fan attending home games with Martha by his side through thick and thin, fair weather and foul.
After graduation, with two children in tow, a move to Kokomo promised a well-paying job at Continental Steel. From the back-breaking job of cleaning out the soot tunnels from the smelting hot pots, Dan worked his way up the ladder to the eventual position of Superintendent of the Wire Mill.
In these years in Kokomo, Dan and Martha's family grew. Marie and David were joined by Ellie, James, Beth, Rob and Becky. After long days at the mill, he also worked nights at his own tool and die shop to generate income to provide for his family. His love of all things underwater led to a entrepreneurial venture in scuba diving, Martha again by his side diving salvage.
As well as being an avid hunter and fisherman, Dan became an expert trap shooter, ultimately recruited to try out for the United States Olympic Team. His awards in the sport include over two dozen wins on the state and national level, culminating as two-time winner of the Indiana Gun Club's coveted Highest of All trophy, the 2003 American Trap Association's Senior Veteran title, and 2004 ATA Grand American Championship winner.

A telling of Dan's long and full life would not be complete without mentioning the game of golf. Beginning at Purdue, the passionate pursuit of the perfect drive, chip and putt would motivate him, frustrate him, and reward him enough to keep him coming back. He played a lead role in developing the back nine at the Crawfordsville Country Club and his many years there afforded him a close group of friends that he cherished.
Dan's work tenure in Crawfordsville began with a move to Midstates Steel and Wire in 1974 as Vice-President of Manufacturing and ended with his retirement in 1991 at Lithonia Lighting as Plant Manager. At Midstates and Lithonia, he walked the plant floor every day, inquiring after every employee and their family members by name.
Dan was a long time member of the Crawfordsville Chamber of Commerce acting as its president from 1985-86. He also served as president of Rotary those same years, and initiated the Office of Economic Development for Montgomery County, guiding it from 1995-2000. He served as the Chairman of the Indiana Manufacturers Association from 1987-88. Dan also served on the Board of Directors at Elston Bank and Saint Claire's Hospital. Among his many accolades are being named Global Wire Man of the Year in 1975, a Kentucky Colonel, and Sagamore of the Wabash, an honorary title for those who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier Heritage.
A man's man, Dan worked hard, played hard, loved hard and lived life to the fullest. He embodied the highest American ideals of honor, loyalty, duty, hard work and service to community and those less fortunate. He leaves behind a large and loving family, and countless friends, colleagues, and former employees of all ages, all of whom respected him and admired him greatly. He will be missed.
Dan is survived by his wife Martha (McCord), his seven children, Marie (John Vanada), David (Kathy Fleming), Ellie (Dennis Thurston), James, Beth, Rob (Cheryl Marquess-Calder), and Becky (Mike Owen); thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Father Dennis Faker officiating. Visitation will be 11:30 AM-2:00 PM Saturday in the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Mary Ludwig Free Clinic, P.O. Box 86, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 www.mcfreeclinic.org/