Greenwood:
Virgil Ray Dant, 68, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011 at his residence. Virgil was born on June 16, 1942 in Evansville, IN to the late Clyde Vernon and Lucinda Pearl (Jackson) Dant. Virgil is a 1961 graduate of Whiteland High School.
Virgil was an ironworker for International Harvester/Navistar for 25+ years, retiring in April 1991. Virgil was also a grain farmer; a professional welder; a vegetable gardener; and the county mechanic who worked on everyone''s auto/tractor. Virgil enjoyed Western movies; the outdoors; caving; traveling; State fairs and County fairs; and was a tractor collector. Above all, Virgil was a kind soul who knew no stranger. He valued family and friendships to the utmost.
Virgil is survived by his partner of 16 years, Darlene Eldridge; son Kenneth Dant; daughters: Lisa (Dant) Betsill and Melissa (Dant) Jeffries (Timothy); step-brothers: Robert T. Johnson (Nancy) and Ray L. Johnson (Kathy); sisters: Hazel Matlock (Wayne) and Patricia Heatherly (Steve); 4 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and brother Vernon Leroy Dant.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 S. State Rd. 135, Greenwood. A Mass will be on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Our Lady of Greenwood Catholic Church, 335 S. Meridian St., Greenwood at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Don Quinn officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
www.forestlawncemetery-fh.com.