Daniel Charles Schall, II, age 53, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 after a valiant battle with Lyme disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).

Dan was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Barbara Ann (Frazier) Franconia and Daniel Charles Schall (Donna), who predeceased him.  Dan was also predeceased by his son, Austin Charles Schall.  Dan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Deborah Ann (Talbert) Schall; his children, Andrew Charles Schall and Danielle Alicia Schall; granddaughter, Evelyn Marie Schall; brother, Jason Schall (Angie), and sisters, Jennifer (Schall) Medley and Melissa Franconia.  Dan is also survived by his stepfather, Ed Franconia; uncle, Donnie Schall (Roley) and aunt, Mary Lou (Schall) McNickol; parents-in-law, James and Alicia Talbert; sister-in-law, Lisa Lash (Robin); brother-in-law, Marco Talbert (Jenna); sister-in-law, Maria Bulkley (Bryan); nieces and nephews, Hannah and Trenton Schall; Paige Milby; Reece Lash; Sam, Will, Claire and Paige Talbert; and Carmen and  Matthew Worthington.  Dan is also survived by numerous beloved cousins, all from the Louisville, Kentucky area.

Dan was extremely devoted to his wife and children.  The best days of his life were spent coaching and attending his children’s athletic events, which he never missed.  Dan coached his children’s teams for years including t-ball, softball, baseball, basketball, soccer and youth football.

Dan played football for Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky and the University of Evansville Purple Aces, from which he graduated in 1989.  Dan was also an assistant coach for the University of Evansville football team for defense and special teams.  He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.   Dan also played football on the Evansville Vipers semi-professional team.

Dan went to work for the Department of Parks and Recreation in Mt. Vernon, Indiana after graduating from UE, where he was promoted to Executive Director.  Dan then served as a community leader in the Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation from 2002 to 2014, including as Deputy Director from 2002-2007, Executive Director from 2008 to 2011, and in parks management thereafter.  According to former Mayor Russell G. Lloyd, Jr, “Dan’s leadership was instrumental in developing numerous community initiatives including the new Swonder Ice Arena, the Goebel Soccer Complex, improvements at Wesselman Woods, and the State Hospital Parks.    These park improvements benefiting our youth and community’s quality of life were accomplished with Dan’s strong, resourceful, and kind manner many times working behind the scenes.  Dan cared deeply about the appearance of the Parks and dedicated considerable time and effort to park improvements.  Dan’s leadership is evidenced in the beautiful Evansville Parks system today with improved facilities, trimmed green spaces and impressive fauna with growing greenways and pathways throughout Evansville.  Dan was a leader in youth sports activities and the economic benefits they bestow upon our region.  Due in no small part to Dan’s labors, his legacy will endure for children and adults that will utilize those wonderful open green spaces, soccer fields, trails, woodlands and the ice rink for many years to come.”

Dan was also instrumental in the design and construction of Lamasco Skate Park.   He cherished the parks and the relationships he built within the parks department and city government.  He especially loved working for Mike Madriaga, former mayors Russell G. Lloyd, Jr. and Jonathan Weinzapfel, deputy mayor Joan David, and city attorneys Mike Schopmeyer and Larry Downs, as well as many other people in local government too numerous to name.  Even in his last months, Dan’s preferred outing was to go to the parks to admire and enjoy their beauty, and he still loved getting out on the Greenway.

This year, Dan was successful in his efforts over several years working with our legislators to pass Indiana House Enrolled Act 1059, which provides government employees and their family members peace of mind concerning survivor benefits.  A very special thanks to Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Deputy Chief of Staff, Erin Sheridan, and all those who helped pass this legislation.

A Catholic Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, with Father Godfrey Mullen officiating.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as well as from 12:00 p.m. until time of service on Sunday, September 8, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Parks Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 3112, Evansville, Indiana 47730 in honor of Daniel Charles Schall, II.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net .