Daniel B. Poppaw

Daniel B. Poppaw, 81, of Dayton, Ohio transitioned from this life on Saturday, December 28, 2024. His sons and family were all with him before his passing and he was surrounded by love throughout his brief illness. Daniel was born to Byron and Lucille Poppaw, in Dayton, Ohio.

Daniel was a steadfast father, grandfather, and husband to his wife of 58 years, Joyce. During her lengthy battle with Lewy Bodies dementia, Daniel was by her side, taking care of her, right up to her passing. They were high school sweethearts who stayed together through thick and thin. The family is comforted by the knowledge that they are together once again.

Daniel was an avid fisherman and hunter throughout his life. He passed on that love of the outdoors to his sons, as they shared many wonderful times together out at local lakes on family outings. He was a thoughtful man who never gave off the cuff advice. If you needed an answer to a serious question, his first response was: “Let me think about it for a bit.” Once he had arrived at an answer, it was typically well thought out and usually your best course of action. 

Daniel was a toolmaker by trade, following in his father’s footsteps. His precision grinding skills were second to none. This, along with his years of experience on other machines and his meticulous attention to detail, made him a valued and highly sought after employee over the years. To his coworkers, he was an invaluable colleague, who would always be available to answer questions or lend a hand until the job was complete. He was also known to be one of the finest marine mechanics in Dayton for many years and worked at several local boat marinas in the Dayton Metro area. He also owned his own marina for a few years in the late 1970s to early 1980s, which he ran with his family. 

Daniel had a strong religious faith that he abided by over the years. He wasn’t a regular church goer, as he preferred the outdoors to express his spirituality. He once said that the trees around a lake were his cathedral and the water in front of him was the altar. When you were with him, you could see that serenity of spirit on his face and knew that he was, indeed, communing with God. 

Daniel is survived by his sons: Scott Poppaw (David Nielsen), Matthew Poppaw (Angie), Todd Poppaw (Donna), Andrew Poppaw, Brian Poppaw (Traci), Alan Poppaw, a niece who was like a daughter, Deborah Weisman, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his neighbor and brother-in-law, Mike Iffland, and his brother, Timothy Poppaw (Mary), of Dayton, Ohio.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Lucille Poppaw, his brother, Michael Poppaw, and his sisters, Karen Poppaw Iffland and Ann Marie Poppaw-Jones.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at New Burlington Cemetery, New Burlington, Ohio.

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