OKLAHOMA CITY Dannecker, Theodore "Dan," 92, died June 9. Services 1 p.m. June 16, St. Louis, MO (Bill Merritt, Bethany).

Published in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Friday, June 10, 2016, Page 10A.

Dannecker, Theodore "Dan" - passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the age of 92 in Oklahoma City, OK due to complications of dementia and heart failure.
Dan was born on December 3, 1923 in St Louis, Missouri to Fredrick Dannecker and Myrtle Crail Mays, one of 11 children. Living his childhood in Missouri and Tennessee, Dan joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17 years old, being Honorable Discharged in 1947 as an Electrician's Mate. Dan married Wynema Dora Haley February 25, 1947 and after completing his service to our country, moved to Oklahoma City, OK going to work for Southwestern Bell in 1948. He loved music and dancing, fast cars, wildlife and being outdoors, especially spending time at Lake Tenkiller where he enjoyed boating, water skiing and fishing with family and friends. In 1968 he was awarded the Theodore N Vail Silver Award for Heroism for saving a young girl from drowning.
After being widowed in 1977, he met and married the love of his life, Ernestine Moore Stevens of Bethany, OK. After he retired from AT&T in 1984 they traveled the world hand in hand; exploring, and loving life. They enjoyed 25 years together before she passed in 2004. Dan had a very special relationship with his brother in law Jack Lee Griffin, whom he often called his best friend. They shared many stories about traveling with the telephone company, time spent at a local lake and racing cars & motorcycles, but mostly about how much they loved their family.
Dan is survived by his only child, Dani Rene and her husband Ed Shields of Oklahoma City, four grandchildren, Ryan Leo McMahan of Tulsa, Kendall Renee McMahan and Eric Welch of Bixby, Austin Daniel McMahan of Tulsa and EJ Shields of Yukon, s four great-grandsons, Cash Ray Welch, Liam Leo McMahan, Cord Reznor Welch and Shamus Daniel McMahan, sisters, Virginia Risner of Herculaneum, Mo and Myrtle Jean Brockert of Branson, MO as well as many, many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
Today the restrictions of his infirmities are lifted and he is singing and dancing with those he loved that have gone before him and for that we are grateful. Services are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 16 at Hoffmeister South County Chapel in St. Louis, MO with burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Local arrangements are provided by Bill Merritt Funeral Home on NW 39th in Oklahoma City, OK.
Published in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Monday, June 13, 2016, Page 6A.