Daniel Ray Minkler

Daniel Ray Minkler, age 71, of Clermont, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2026 Born on February 28, 1954 in Lyons, New York to Chester and Mary Louise (Knapp) Minkler. Dan was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and cherished friend. His sudden passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him. Dan was deeply proud of his family and will be remembered for his selflessness and generosity. After his family, Dan’s greatest joy in life was playing music. He began learning to play the piano at the age of 4, followed by the clarinet, the upright bass, and electric bass. Following graduation from East Aurora High School in New York, 1973, Dan enlisted in the Air Force. Initially serving as a clarinet player in the Air Force Band and later a bass player. Dan retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 24 years of service in the Air Force Band. He continued his career in music until his passing, playing at Sunday church services, and events in the community. Some of his favorite venues were the Citrus Club, Del Frisco’s, and most recently playing at Ole Red with the Mountain Mavericks. He is survived by his loving wife Darla (DeVries) Minkler; his children, Amanda (Craig) Ogden, Jennifer Minkler, Jeremy (Erin Stolz) Minkler, Joshua (Heather Graves) Minkler; his grandchildren, Audriauna, Geoffrey, and Greyson Ogden, Ryan Minkler, Nicholas and Zachary Linares, Olivia Stolz; his siblings, David (Kathryn) Minkler, Peter (Bonnie) Minkler, Andrew (Norma) Minkler, Chris Minkler, Cathy Minkler; his step-mother Betty Minkler Pitcher (Mark, Rebecca) and sister-in-law Karin Tooley. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Mary Louise Minkler and brother Paul Minkler. A viewing will be held on Sunday January 25, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00pm with services at 5:00pm at A Community Funeral Home, 910 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL. Interment will be Monday, January 26th at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 11:30am In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Federation of the Blind, NFB Buffalo Chapter in Dan’s memory. https://nfbny.org/chapters-divisions/buffalo-chapter He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered. https://tributestream.com/celebration-of-life-for-daniel-ray-minkler

Daniel Ray Minkler

February 28, 1954 - January 13, 2026