Daniel McCrary

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Daniel R. McCrary, 64 of Belleville, IL, born October 15, 1956, in Pinckneyville, IL, died Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Dan was a veteran of both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. He graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1985.

He retired in June 2019 from St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, MO after 30 years working as an RN in the Intensive Care Unit and the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. He graduated from Belleville East High School in 1974 and played football, baseball, and wrestling while in school. He then continued playing baseball at Belleville Area College and later spent his time as a head coach in the Southern Illinois Baseball League. He cherished spending time with his family and especially playing golf in father-and-son scrambles with his three sons.

Daniel was preceded in death by his father, William McCrary;

Surviving are his loving wife, Debra, nee Gruman, McCrary;
his mother, Dana, nee Sutton, McCrary;
his sons, Daniel (Bria) McCrary Jr.,
Daron (Erica) McCrary,
and Donovan (Jess) McCrary;
four grandchildren, Riley, Dylan, Ian and Ava McCrary;
three brothers, Dave (Rosie) McCrary,
Dale McCrary,
and Doug (Debbie) McCrary;
and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made in the form of charitable donations to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, an organization that Dan supported. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: Private family funeral services were held

Condolences:

31 Comments on Daniel McCrary

Dr Peter Shawki said : Guest Report Feb 06, 2021 at 3:24 PM

I was at St Marys Hospital for residency and beyond and Dan was just one those nurses who had the right touch with interns learning to be a doctor. He was never intimidating but would gently suggest things to do for the patient and in doing so build the confidence of that intern to go on and make future decisions on their own. Dan very much reminded me in character and even appearance of my godfather (who was an icu nurse with a military background). I loved talking baseball with him at night while on call. To his family and his son Dan Jr whom I’ve worked with, I give my deepest condolences. I will add him to our family prayer list to commemorate those that have reposed. Prayers for your family during this time.

  • St Louis
  • Missouri
Sheryll Feist Kosydor said : Guest Report Jan 15, 2021 at 4:21 PM

I’m so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. I’ve known him since fourth grade and have such fond memories of our friendship. I’m praying for comfort for his family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Eddie Prather said : Guest Report Jan 14, 2021 at 8:45 AM

Make no mistake Danny was my hero. God Bless the McCrary family. God has gained another warrior. We will meet again.

  • Pikeville
  • North Carolina
Debbie & Doug said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 5:31 PM

Dear Deb & boys & families, We are just so so sorry that you are going through this. We are still in disbelief. Love you all~prayers with you all. ❤️

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Donna Boul Burle said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 4:30 PM

My heart goes out to Dan's family at this sad time. You have my deepest sympathy. You are blessed to have had "Danny" (as we knew him) in your lives! I am remembering again the good times we had and the closeness of our small Wolf Branch class.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Laura Hilterbrand said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 2:42 PM

Dan was one of the best nurses I ever worked with. Shifts with him were never dull, even if they were slow. I learned a lot from him, and saw first hand how he cared for patients. I know from talking at work how much he loved his family. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Barnhart
  • Mo
Carl Kuldell said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 11:55 AM

My little sister just let me know of Dan's passing. Just enjoyed the heck out of seeing him at our 40th reunion and remembering our days at East.... played football & baseball with him and he was certainly a force of nature. A loss for all who knew or were around him.

  • Swansea
  • ILL
Mike Kosydor said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 8:24 AM

Pleass accept my sincere condolences. Peace be with Dan and his family.

  • Oxford
  • MS
Phil Elmore said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 6:56 AM

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers to the McCrarys.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Tim Carroll said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 5:36 AM

My heart sank when I heard this news over the weekend Much of my childhood was spent in Twilight Terrace on Jupiter Drive at the McCrary House and the memories are vast and wide. Dan clearly made a difference in others lives in his health professional career and that level of selflessness shows the type of person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the McCrary’s that I grew up with and also the ones I have never met. RIP Dan McCrary

  • Palm Bay
  • FL
Cindy said : Guest Report Jan 12, 2021 at 12:18 AM

Heaven gained a beautiful person. I pray for comfort and peace and the warmth of knowing that your memories of him will forever live inside of all those who loved and knew him. His Ssm legacy and stories will live on for years to come.

  • St. Louis
  • Mo
Chet Breitwieser said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 9:36 PM

Dear McCrary family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Danny's sudden passing. I have so many memories of our families from Wolf Branch Elementary School through Belleville East High School. Danny always captured attention with his engaging personality, infectious laughter and caring spirit. I will continue to hold each of you close in my thoughts and prayers. Chet

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Chet Breitwieser said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 9:29 PM

Dear McCrary family, I am deeply saddened to learn of Danny's sudden passing. I hold so many memories of our families from the Wolf Branch Elementary School days through Belleville East High School. Danny always captured attention with his engaging personality, infectious laughter and generous spirit. I will continue to hold each of you in my thoughts and prayers. Chet

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Paul Holland said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 7:04 PM

My sincere sympathies to the entire McCrary family. Dan was a true competitor and a valued teammate.

  • Collinsville
  • Il
Debra Schmeider said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 9:57 AM

My deepest sympathy for the McCrary family

  • fairview heights
  • Il
Kathy Henderson-Coumbe said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 9:23 AM

I'm so very sorry for your family's loss. I still remember Danny and brothers hitting whiffle balls into our backyard. My mom had a whole box of them. Great memories!

  • Bellevue
  • NE
Pattie Douglas said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 7:33 AM

So sorry for your loss. Dan will be missed by many.

  • Fort Mc Coy
  • Florida
Mary (Markey) Carroll said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 7:16 AM

My condolences to the McCrary family on your loss.

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL
Maria fleshren said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 4:48 AM

So sorry to hear of Dans passing. Your family has my deepest sympathy.

  • Port st joe
  • Fl
Craig Agne said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 11:30 PM

Debbie, Dave, Dale, Doug and Mrs M, My condolences. Dan was a good friend and great teammate. Many fond memories for me. And with sadness, I’ll treasure them always.

  • Fairview heights
  • Il
Debbie Manning said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 8:55 PM

I am so sad to hear of Dan's passing. I knew him in high school and ran into him again when he was my OB nurse at the birth of one of my children. He was such a kind and genuine man. Please accept my condolences.

  • Fairhope
  • AL
Althea Breitwieser Taake said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 8:16 PM

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Danny. I and Danny among a few others started first grade together at Wolf Branch, then on to East high school. Danny was the class clown from the beginning! Back then we were a small school and were all very close. Lots of memories. At our last high school class reunion Danny and I talked and he still remembered when he jabbed a pencil in my leg! I still have the mark where it went in! We had a good laugh! He was one great guy! May God be with you all and comfort you. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Althea Breitwieser Taake

  • Waterloo
  • IL
Laurie Edwards said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 8:02 PM

I am so sorry Debra. I worked with Dan in the PACU. He was a great nurse and very interesting to work with. You never knew what the day would bring. I was sad to see him retire but glad for him. He loved his family and especially you. May God give you peace in your heart and mind

  • Moro
  • Illinois
Denise Apprill said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:54 PM

I was so incredibly sad to hear of Dan’s passing. I worked with Dan for 13 years in 4ICU. He was such an incredible co worker and person. Everyone loved Dan. You knew if you were working with Dan would have a good shift, even if it all hell broke lose. I heard many funny stories about the “wife “ and “the boys”, he loved his family so deeply. My sincerest condolences! RIP Dan???

  • Chesterfield
  • Missouri
Rhonda Stuckwish said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:39 PM

Dan was a great nurse and a wonderful person. Prayers for his wife, children and grandchildren . Cherish your memories and he will forever live in your hearts.

  • Eureka
  • MO
Myra Shea RN said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:38 PM

My deepest sympathy for his family. I pray for you all to be at peace knowing how he touched so many lives in his short time. Rest in peace my dear friend ? ? ?

  • TROY
  • Missouri
Kelly Greenwood said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:15 PM

Worked with Dan a long time , he in the medical unit and me in the surgical. 30plus yrs gives you a lot of memories! He always had a joke or cracking up over something. He def. had his strong opinion about things and wanted what was best. I actually got to see him more when he moved to the pacu as he brought the post op patients to us. Always willing to help. He was a character for sure but a good nurse and a good friend. Danny boy you will be missed!

  • St. Charles
  • Mo.
Ron Reinecker said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 4:55 PM

Sorry for your loss.

  • Fairview heights
  • Ill.
Gil Canania said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 4:22 PM

Dan has been a friend for many years and I will miss him. Very sorry for your loss.

  • St Louis
  • Mo
Micah Toombs said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 4:13 PM

Dan is, in large part, responsible for me being the nurse that I am today. He, along with our friend Melissa, encouraged and recruited me to become an ICU nurse. He was always ready to give advice (even if I hadn’t asked for it). He taught me so much. He will definitely be missed.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Pat Spencer said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 3:49 PM

Deeply saddened by the loss of Dan. Worked for so many years with him and he was a excellent nurse and a really great person. Prayers for his family he was very proud of you!

  • St. Louis
  • Mo

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