Danny Hone

Danny Hone, 60, a beloved pillar of the West Union, IL community, entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2024 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. Born on October 22, 1963, in Mattoon, IL, his journey through life was marked by a bedrock of faith, an inspiring sense of hope, and an overflow of love that filled the world around him with goodness and light.

Danny's life was a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. From his early days growing up in Mattoon to his graduation from Calvary Christian Academy in Charleston, IL in 1982, he demonstrated a knack for business. As a student, he would buy gum, sodas, and snacks to sell at school and use the profit to build his little business. Although college was put on hold to support his ailing mother, Danny's tenacity shone through as he climbed the ranks from a bag boy to an assistant manager at Jewel-Osco grocery store. His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; for a time, he owned and operated Solid Sounds, a Christian bookstore in Mattoon, and later bought the grocery store in West Union before transforming the space into Honeville, a t-shirt print shop. It would go on to gain a large e-commerce presence, becoming one of eBay's most reputable sellers. His reputation as a dependable and insightful entrepreneur won him the respect of eBay's upper echelons, cementing his role as a mentor within that community.

Though he enjoyed his eBay community, it was his friends and neighbors in the West Union area to whom he was truly devoted. Here, Danny wore many hats, including those of a firefighter and treasurer for the West Union Fire Department, a local distributor for Archway Cookies and Hunt Brothers Pizza, and the town's "local weatherman." His presence was a comforting constant, whether he was blocking traffic for funeral processions or imparting the day's forecast. He was also an active participant in the Fourth of July Committee, a thoughtful soul who delivered meals and supplies during trying times, and a longtime steward on the board of Choices Pregnancy Center. A man of faith, he preached at a number of local churches and was an active member at Heartland Baptist Church in Hutsonville, IL. His Sunday school lessons were like seeds that he planted in fertile minds, growing into strong, faith-filled oaks of righteousness. He also nourished minds with his Christian writings, including books such as "Lord of the Harvest" and the children's series "Building Blocks." It's been said that Danny Hone was a "theological sounding board" for many, and we know he was a fountain of wisdom and joy for many more. Even when hope seemed distant, Danny's confidence in the Lord shone like a lighthouse, guiding us back to faith time and again.

To Danny, the way of Jesus wasn't just an idea or concept but the very way he led his life. We saw the Spirit of God work through him in innumerable ways, from opening his door to foster children to mentoring people who needed his thoughtful, loving counsel along the often-difficult pathway of life. We were also given a picture of Jesus by seeing the happiness with which he lived his life. He was, after all, the architect of joy in his home, whether through an hour-long Nerf gun battle on Christmas or pranking his daughter into believing she was shrinking by moving the paper measure up little by little!

By any and every measure, Danny Hone's 60 years were lived well. His life was a canvas of creativity, his intelligence was matched only by his selflessness, and his spirit was a blend of kindness and fun-filled delight. Though the light of his life seems to be gone, we know that it is merely gone from our sight and into the presence of the One whose goodness Danny so obviously reflected. We find peace in knowing where he is, which is, in a way, where he's always been: with Jesus.

Left to carry on his legacy of loving devotion is his wife, Cindy (Sipes) Hone, whom he married on June 27, 1992. Their daughters, Emily and her husband Tyler Stuck, as well as Anna Hone and her fiancé Braden Stephens, continue to walk in the light of his teachings. A first grandchild, expected at the year's end, will surely hear tales of their grandfather's warmth and wisdom. Danny is also survived by his sister, Debbie Sowers; his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Robert & Rebecca Sipes; his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Christy & Steve Vanco, Rob & Connie Sipes, and Carrie & Rob Reardon; as well as several nieces, nephews, and foster children, who will each hold fast to their many precious memories of this treasured man. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, James & Linda (Sydenstricker) Hone.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Delaney officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will soon be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, "Cindy Hone", to help offset medical expenses incurred during Danny's illness. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.