Daniel Fearn

When reflecting on the life of Daniel Fearn, words such as strong-willed, determined, and compassionate come to mind, but no greater word could describe his life than generous. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured the time he spent with his growing family and enjoyed the company of each and every one of them. His passion for providing the abundant riches in life was shown through his many years of giving selflessly of his time and resources for his family and encouraging their every success. His loving presence and dry sense of humor will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. The 1920s were a period of sustained economic prosperity. Radio stations were growing in popularity throughout the US, and the media was focused on jazz music and celebrities. In the same year that Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic, William and Lavina (Brassmer) Fearn welcomed home their newborn son, Daniel into their hearts on June 16, 1927, in Jackson, Michigan. Raised by faithful parents, his birth brought much hope and happiness to their home. Dan lived a typical childhood of the times. His father was a butcher who delivered his goods extensively throughout the greater Detroit area. At the age of six, the family moved to Monroe for a short time before settling in Detroit. As a young student he was fascinated by using linoleum blocks for printmaking and one year was recognized for his hard work by having his Christmas card published on the front page of the school newspaper! Sadly, at the tender age of eighteen, his father passed away. Although he was significantly impacted by the loss, he went on to pursue his education by attending Olivet Academy in Kankakee, Illinois where he lettered in track. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served throughout Germany and Eastern Europe until he was discharged in 1948. Later, he enrolled at Olivet Nazarene University until he was called to serve in the Korean War leaving his fiance, Lois Hahn behind. He reported to Fort Lewis for a brief training before being shipped out to Japan. Dan's regiment received two Presidential Unit Citations during his time overseas. One was for their time at the Battle of Twin Tunnels and the other was for serving at Chipyong-ni. He received two Purple Hearts at Chipyong-ni. The wounds were serious enough to send him to the hospital ship Constellation and on to the Tokyo General Army Hospital. After he recovered, he was discharged in 1951. No greater day was the day he returned home on the train with his first stop being Rose Hill, Iowa where he was greeted by the love of his life and his bride-to-be, Lois! The happy couple married on January 12, 1952, at the Oskaloosa Nazarene Church. Eager to start a family of their own, he finished college by 1957 and accepted his first teaching position at St. Anne Junior High School in Illinois. The very next year, Dan relocated his young family to St. Clair Shores, Michigan where he taught both social studies and driver's education at Lake Shore High School. Later, he went on to complete his Master's degree at Michigan State University. Teaching for thirty years, he made many lasting friendships and contributed to the lives of countless students. Dan was a quiet man who held a vast array of many special interests. He was knowledgeable about many subjects by reading thoroughly how to do just about anything! Self-taught on many different topics he enjoyed sailing as well as taking flying lessons. Flying proved to be too expensive of a hobby, so he preferred his time boating on Indian Lake in Vicksburg where he and Lois had made their home during their retirement years since the year 1987. By 2011, they lived for a short time in Shipshewana, Indiana which fulfilled a longtime dream Dan held for many years. In addition to his involvement with many church ministries, he was an active member of several organizations over the years that provided him with great joy. Over his years as a member of the Arbor Day Society, he received bare rooted trees which he nurtured and planted and also donated to others. He was also a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), Military Order of the Purple Heart, USFA (United States Forces Austria Association) and the Second Division Association Korean Branch. May his loved ones be comforted in knowing a man of great integrity who wanted nothing but the best for his family. His unconditional love and his brave service for his country will be fondly treasured by his family and special friends for generations to come. Daniel P. Fearn, of Vicksburg, passed away surrounded his loving family on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019, at the age of 91. He was a charter member of the Warren Woods Nazarene Church in Warren, Michigan and an active member at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene during his years at Indian Lake. He is survived by his wife, Lois of sixty-six years, two daughters: Danise Fearn, of St. Clair Shores; Diane Hurst and her husband, Larry, of Bourbonnais, IL; grandsons: Jared (Kari) Whitlow, of IL; Jeremy (Michelle) Whitlow, of OK; Justin Whitlow (Emily), of IL; and granddaughter, Emily Hurst, of IL. He is also survived by stepgrandsons: Nicholas (Kate) Hurst, of WI; Andrew (Rebecca) Hurst, of AL; Adam (Lauren) Hurst, of WI; great-grandchildren: Liam and Harper Hurst, Atley Hurst, Isacc Hurst, William Whitlow, and Zoe Whitlow; and several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lavina Fearn; grandson, Joshua Whitlow; granddaughter, Janelle Whitlow; brother, Lyle Fearn; sister, Dorothy Fearn Adler; and son-in-law, Patrick Whitlow. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 7th at 11 am at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church beginning at 10 am. Dan will be buried with Military Honors at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Dan's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish, may make contributions to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.