Daniel John VanBuskirk

Daniel John VanBuskirk, 73, of Maryville, MO, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Good Shepherd Care Community in Concordia, MO.

Born on May 26, 1953, in Cushing, OK, Dan was the son of the late Robert and Trellis (Combs) VanBuskirk. He graduated from Hastings Senior High School in Hastings, NE, in 1971 before earning his degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, in 1975. Daniel worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections for 25 years.

Dan had a passion for golf and fishing and was an avid fan of both the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, attending live sporting events whenever he could. Dan was a noted athlete in both high school and college, excelling in track and field, earning fifth place in the 100-yard dash in the 1969 Class A State Championships in Nebraska. Dan carried his athletic prowess throughout his life, earning numerous top-10 finishes in golf tournaments and winning the Mozingo Open in 2010.

Dan held a steadfast faith in the Lord and was a member of the Arkoe Restoration Branch in Arkoe, MO, holding the office of Priest. Dan leaves behind a legacy of gentle kindness and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dan is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Bob Schrunk, nieces and nephews, Jennifer Schrunk, Tammy (Matt) Oltman, Shawna (Taylor) Stocking, and Jeff (Christy) Schrunk. Great nieces and nephews, Jordan Schrunk, Keston (Mollee) Oltman, Emma Schrunk, Evelyn Oltman, Jaela Cummins, Ayden Schrunk, Blayne Schrunk, Caylyn Schrunk, Caysen Schrunk, Kyerstyn Schrunk, Tayton Schrunk, and Adalyn Schrunk. Great great nephew and niece, Kohen Oltman and Maeve Bartley.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Trellis (Combs) VanBuskirk.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026 at Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Maryville, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arkoe Restoration Branch-Polly Nelson Treasurer 39822 Mint Rd. Guilford, MO 64457. Memories of Daniel and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Casket bearers are Jeff Schrunk, Matt Oltman, Taylor Stocking, Jordan Schrunk, Keston Oltman, Ayden Schrunk, Blayne Schrunk, and Caysen Schrunk.

Honorary casket bearers are Emma Schrunk, Evelyn Oltman, Jaela Cummins, Caylyn Schrunk, Kyerstyn Schrunk, Tayton Schrunk, and Adalyn Schrunk.