Danny L. "Dan" Shanz Sr.

Danny Lee “Dan” Shanz, Sr. 72, of Littlestown, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2020 at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Dan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Lynn Shanz. His first wife Tonia Ann Shanz (mother of his children) of Ocoee, FL. His son Danny Lee Shanz, Jr. and Holli, their two children, Austin & April of Sumnerton, SC. His son Anthony Kelly Shanz and Angel, their two boys, Austin & Cody of Shelbyville, DE. His daughter, Trina Danielle Shanz Kirchner and Thomas, their two sons, Trevor and Torrey of Ocoee, FL. His step daughter, Jenn Waltemeyer and Bryon, their daughter, Katelyn Grace of Eldersburg, MD. His step daughter, Dawn Lafey of Annapolis, MD. His sister-in-law, Barbara J. Barton of Annapolis, MD, her daughters, Christine and Lisa, and her grandson, Phoenix. His brother-in-law, David A. Burnham of Vienna, VA and his children, Brittany, Alexandra, and Tyler. His Uncle Kenneth and Aunt Annise Burkhalter of Valley View, TX. His Aunt Alma Burkhalter of Texas. His Aunt Francis Cason of Colorado. His birth father, Dan Price of Clovis, NM. His sister-in-law Sharron Shanz of Joaquin, TX and her two children, Rachel and Tyler. His sister-in-law Gayla Hogan of Arizona, and her four children, Tasha, Hiedi, Mikayla, and Lacey. His sister-in-law Sandra Davis of Parker, CO her two children, Nicole and Shawn. Several cousins, and his two chocolate labs and three kitties.

Born on Wednesday, November 12, 1947 in Grand Prairie, Texas, he was the son of the late Ernest Patterson “Pat” Shanz and Mary Ruth Burkhalter Shanz. Dan was predeceased by his parents, his grandparents, Opal and Mark Shanz and Mary and John Burkhalter, and his only brother, Jimmy Lee Shanz.

Dan grew up in Texas amidst a large extended, close family. He developed a passion for growing fruits, vegetables & canning on his grandparents farm that lasted his lifetime. In recent years, his vegetable & fruit gardens supplied the neighborhood. As a boy, he was into constant mischief that only a grandmother could forgive, after sending him to find a switch.

Dan was co-captain of his high school football team, MacArthur Cardinals, and earned a full athletic scholarship to the Texas Christian University. Instead he volunteered for the Marines during the height of the Vietnam War. Dan was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, Navy Achievement Medal with "valor" denoting combat bravery; Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Expert Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He also completed the Marine Anti-Tank Assault Guided Missile-man training. Dan was recommended for Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School, he attended and graduated. In later years when asked why, he simply replied “it was the right thing to do”.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Dan worked full time to support his wife and young children while attending the University of Texas at Tyler part time. Dan learned the framing business from his father-in-law and eventually owned his own contracting business. He also raised horses and cattle.

All people die, not all people live. Dan LIVED! His life was a continuous series of adventures. In the 70’s he was a P.R.C.A. Bull Rider when cowboys wore cowboy hats. For those of you who know Dan well, being bounced on his head numerous times explains lots of things. In the 80’s he became a professional bass fisherman. He qualified for B.A.S.S. Bass Masters Championship and many different Texas state bass fishing circuits. Let’s just say he was good at catching fish (this runs in his family he comes from a long line of anglers)! In later years, Dan fished the FLW professional bass fishing series, fishing some of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Dan had a passion for the outdoors, when he wasn’t fishing he liked to hunt. He liked fishing the best. After going to Maryland, he continued to enjoy fresh water fishing and participated in various professional tournaments.

Dan also enjoyed challenging the ocean and participated in salt water fishing tournaments: White Marlin Open, (Ocean City MD), Big Rock Blue Marlin (Moorhead City NC), local Ocean City Tuna & Shark tournaments. Often his sons, Danny & Anthony joined him. There are scary stories of battling fierce waters being too stubborn to come in until “the fish” was caught, funny stories of dropping a son off on a small piece of land to answer nature’s call only to be greeted by a snake and the wonderful memories forged by the bonding of a man & his sons. Dan was always happy on the water & while living in Ocean Pines/Ocean City, MD he also enjoyed simply being in his boats, on the water and just relaxing.

When not on the water or watching sports, Dan loved socializing. He was every bit as comfortable with a prince or a pauper. A great story teller with many tall tales to tell, most of them true. Music and dancing were an everyday pleasure either out on-the-town or just together time at home. Dan embraced life and life embraced him back. Dan was a man of great passion. He did it with passion or he didn’t do it at all.

Dan was truly an amazing man, was admired and loved by his family and friends. His impact upon our lives will be forever felt. His ability to love, sacrifice, provide, support and admonish when necessary will continue to be life lessons for all who knew him. His passing leaves a hole that only he can fill.

Dan always had a great love for all animals, large & small and a deep respect for active military and veterans. In Dan’s honor, contributions can be made to the following organizations that enable veterans & dogs to help each other:
America’s Vet Dogs at vetdogs.org;
caninesforservice.org/canines-for-veterans;
k9sforwarriors.org;
neads.org/service-dog-programs

A funeral service will be held at 12pm Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover. The family will receive friends from 10am to 12pm prior to the service. Dan will be laid to rest immediately following the service in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Veteran Garden.

A reception will be held following the graveside service at Altland House, 1 Center Square, Abbottstown, PA 17301.