Kenneth “Kenny” Raymond Dant, 75, of Washington passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Fishers, Indiana, Monday, October 28, 2024, with his family around him.
Kenny was born on September 14, 1949, to Robert “Red” and Virginia “Rosie” (Ebler) Dant. An only child, Kenny spent lots of time with cousins and friends growing up. Kenny graduated from Washington Catholic High School in 1967. He was a Printer for the Washington Times Herald for nearly forty years before going on to work at Jasper Rubber until 2019.
Kenny married Julie M. Riker in 1969. They went on to have two children and two grandchildren (and many “grand-dogs and cats”) He doted on each one and showered them all with love. He was always ready with an encouraging word, a loving hug, and his big smile that made it impossible to not smile back.
Kenny had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball. He was a little league coach for many years and always tried his best to be an encouraging positive coach. He loved local sports, especially Washington Catholic and Washington High School basketball. He was a St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan first and foremost, as well as a Colts and Pacers fan, but he loved to attend any sporting event at any level and would cheer on whatever team he visited.
Aside from his love of sports, Kenny loved spending time with his family and friends whether it was hanging out at home or going on fun beach vacations with everyone. Kenny never knew a stranger. His kindness and infectious smile made him a friend to many. He and Julie spent miles exploring the back roads of the south while she took pictures and he enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new friends along the way.
Kenny was a huge pet lover and considered all pets family. For more than thirty years, he walked his dogs daily through downtown Washington greeting all he passed with a wave and smile.
He is survived by his wife Julie of fifty-four years; daughter, Tyra (Adam) Kluemper; son, Travis (Shannon) Dant; grandson, Mason (Hailie Allen) Kluemper; granddaughter, McKenna (Sam) Shahsavar; and great grandson, Calvin Shahsavar, as well as his dog, Baxter, and numerous “grand-dogs.”
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington, Indiana, on Saturday November 30, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. People are invited to stop in to visit with family as we celebrate his life beginning at 1:00 pm -2:30 pm. At 2:30 pm, we will begin with a toast to a life well-lived and have time for everyone to share special memories and sentiments with us. Kenny’s wishes were to have a fun, casual atmosphere at his remembrance.
In honor of his great love for sports, everyone who would like to is encouraged to wear their favorite sports fan attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
Daviess County Friends for Animals
PO Box 402
Washington, IN 47501
https://daviesscountyfriendsforanimals.weebly.com/
Condolences for the family may be left online at www.edleemortuary.com.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to assist with the arrangements for Kenny Dant’s Celebration of Life.
