Daniel Wayne Jones was born March 26, 1945 in Washington, IN and passed in Clermont, FL on September 10, 2026.

Daniel, "Danny" to everyone except for when he was in trouble, moved to Clermont in 1960 as a teenager. Danny began his college career at the University of Florida, however he was called into service and bravely served his country overseas in Vietnam before returning and graduating from the University of Central Florida. His heart always stayed with the Gators and while he never mastered the internet, or had any need to, he did know how to get to his Gator Bait link for daily Gator updates.

Next to his love of the Gators was his love of golf. If he wasn't playing, he was watching it from the comfort of whatever chair and tv he could find it on. Mention to him that you never played before and you'd find yourself out on the course the next week with him.

"The Colonel" as Danny was also known for due to his famous fried chicken restaurant, The Golden Drumstick spent the better part of 60 years in the produce business. As a second generation produce shipper back in the days when a handshake was worth its weight, Danny built his reputation based on honesty and loyalty. After the days of Dal-Don Produce, Danny and his brother Billy started their own company Sun State Produce and brought in the next generation instilling in them the same standards that he was so well known for.

As a papa, his grandkids never heard the word no. Many a weekend was spent at Nana and Papa's house eating ice cream, watching Gator sports and staying up way past bedtime.

Most nights you could find Danny sitting at the South Lake Elk's Lodge where he was a long standing member.

He will be forever remembered as a beloved husband to his wife, Mary Jones (Harris) of 39 years, loving father of Brad (Vicki, Dax (Melissa), and Danielle, big brother to Bobby (Tiffany), Billy (Teresa), Mark (Lisa), Todd (JoAnna), papa to his grandchildren, Samantha, Colby, and Lyndsey; and his great-grandchildren, Skylar, Savannah, and Jace and unforgettable uncle/cousin/sheningan maker to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents-Dallas and Jane Jones and ex-wife Elizabeth Jones.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life which will be held November 15 at the South Lake Elk's Lodge located at 649 12 Street, Clermont, FL. Doors will open at 1 pm and the service will begin at 2.