of Greenbrier, AR
October 6, 1968 - June 15, 2025
It is with hearts filled with both joy and sadness, we announce that on Fathers' Day morning, June 15, 2025, Daniel D. Distin (Danny) changed his home address from earth to heaven, surrounded by his adoring family. His great nephew, Wyatt age 3, said it best ''Jesus healed Uncle Danny''
Danny left his parents, Denny and Ricki Distin, a sister, Christy Secrease (Steve), a brother, Chip (Sunny), a nephew, 3 nieces, and their spouses and children. He will be dearly missed by his extended family of relatives, church family, care givers and prayer warriors.
Danny was passionate about life and made it his goal to squeeze all he could into his first 17 years. He ran in high gear all the time, whether working, playing or just running for the pleasure of it. Fishing was his favorite pastime and about the only time he was still.
Those energy- filled days were cut short by a tragic accident, in August of 1986. Miraculously, Dan was one of the survivors, but his life was radically changed from an adventurous teen to a man totally dependent on God and others, living with his parents for his last 38 years.
His body was helpless, but his spirit was unbeatable. Throughout his life, he faced insurmountable medical challenges and survived through the power of God, dedicated, skilled medical providers and powerful prayer warriors. He refused to give up and his supporters followed suit. Without words, Dan touched countless lives. He was cherished by all who knew him… especially the children.
Although he never had a wife and children, he left an admirable legacy of love, strength and courage.
''I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7,8
You are invited to a Celebration of Life at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 1:00PM with a private family graveside service following immediately.
You are invited to a reception hosted by House of Prayer - 684 Highway 65N Greenbrier.
Because of Dans ''kid connection'' we pass this on to you:
Instead of flowers, would you consider donating to a child who faces many of the same day-to-day struggles and challenges Danny endured?
Austin and his parents live locally and attend House of Prayer, whenever possible. Austin has a very rare genetic condition- Primrose syndrome. He also lives at home with loving, selfless parents who are committed to his care.
Donations may be given through Danny's home church - House of Prayer, PO Box 547 Greenbrier, Arkansas, 72058 Attention: Austin.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15016792575.
Sign Guestbook
21 Condolence(s)
Tammy Lauterbach
Thursday, June 19, 2025
My Dear Distin Family, I'm so sorry for your loss of your sweet Danny. My heart goes out to all of you. It's comforting to know that Danny is healed and running free! I'm also thinking of him being united in Heaven with loved ones that were already there to welcome him Home! Sending much love and warm hugs to each of you along with my sincere condolences.
Sandy (Hunt) Vannarsdall
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I knew the smiling, energetic, fun teenager you described! What a fun, life loving person Danny was. Denny, Ricki, Christy, Chip and Sunny and to your entire family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know I will be praying for you all.
Stella Reynolds
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. The separation is hard but we rejoice that one day we will see them again. Praying for your family.
Kevin Myers
Thursday, June 19, 2025
All of our love and prayers to Danny's whole family.
-the Myers family
Debora Robertson
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Sweet Distin family, please know that each of you have encouraged so many people - even those of us who haven't seen you in decades. What a beautiful tribute that describes the true nature of Danny's spirit as we remember it so long ago and as we continued to see in his eyes throughout the years. His spirit gets to be free again now, though I know you all will miss him grandly. What an inspiration he has been and all of you have been over the years and over the distance. May God continue to lift you up. My prayers are with you. Much love.
Kim Williams
Thursday, June 19, 2025
To one of the families who made me feel welcome and a part of their family when I moved to quitman. My heart breaks but rejoices for Danny. He is fully restored. Love you guys and am praying for you in the days ahead.
Lori Medlock
Thursday, June 19, 2025
To precious Denny and Ricki and all of Danny's family, whether by blood or love, my heart aches for you! I knew Danny "before" when he was all laughs and joking. It was amazing to visit you in Arkansas and see the dedication and amazing love the whole family had for Danny. I know your hearts are broken also. I also know the joy you are experiencing knowing Danny is whole in our Lord's presence. I can just picture Cindy and Robert Kerce and my dad all welcoming him with joy into Heaven. Praying for your family. We love you all
Babette and Steven Nielsen
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Dear Family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. ''Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.'' Matthew 5:4 ✝️🙏🏽🕊️ Blessings, In His Love, Babette and Steven Nielsen.
Rhonda Johnson
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Praying for your strength. I know Danny is smiling and getting some much deserved fishing in. Your whole family is an encouraging family and very loving. He had the best of everything. Love you.
Sharon “Brandt” Lemmons
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Dear Distin family: My sincere condolences. Thank you for all the loving care you gave to Danny his whole life. He had a big beautiful smile, with a big personality to match. He was a wonderful friend to me back in the day. He will be missed! I'm grateful to have known him and I'll forever treasure the memories. Prayers for you all to feel peace and comfort in the days ahead as you navigate this change. With love and respect. Always here for you.
Berenice Jungers
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Danny he will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts and now dances with the angels at the feet of King Jesus
John & Mary Ann Vincent
Thursday, June 19, 2025
It was a blessing to know smiling Danny "before" and pray with you all these years and now rejoice with you that "Jesus healed Danny" and now imagine Danny running around exploring Heaven with hus Savior Jesus!
The Lord is close to you, the broken-hearted, and binds up your wounds." Psalm 147:2
Thankful for the gift of tears - they reflect Danny was loved so much!
Donna Peardon
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Thinking of you Denny and Ricki and your family and all who made a meeting full life for Dan! He is no longer here physically but will always be in your heart! He touched so many hearts, now his job is done on earth, let the healing begin!
Amanda Jones
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I love you guys. It was an honor to care for Dan the Man. I'm so happy is whole in Heaven but I know it leaves a hole in your hearts. Praying for peace in the days to come.
Apostle Thomas & Dr. Aimee Clute & family
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Dear family; the River of life church ⛪️ here in Gulfport and myself Apostle Clute & Dr. Aimee Clute and our family members send our love and prayers as well as our sincere condolences ' to you all during this sad but yet joyous occasion! We know the scripture says to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord! We all believed for his complete healing ❤️🩹 and now he truly has the one God wanted him to have! But we rest assured in knowing we will see Danny as well as all our loved ones who have gone on to glory real soon! Yes it want be long now before we see our king Jesus again! Love and blessings to you all from the Clutes & the River of life!
Jill Blankenship
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Thankful for such a loving family Dan had to care for him long and hard in his life. Yes, he touched many! Our prayers are with you as you transition to life with him now in heaven. May God Bless you now and always! I'm so thankful for you. I rejoice in Danny being healed with Jesus. Little children say it so plainly.
Linda Chesnut
Thursday, June 19, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you guys.
Marilyn Whitley
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Sending my condolences to Danny's Family they were the BEST caring for Danny each and every day. May the days ahead be filled with peace.
Deanna Brannon Thomas
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Christy and your whole family, I have always thought very highly of your family. You all took great care of your brother! I am so sorry for your loss. But thankful your sweet brother is with his Savior in Glory. My prayer is for strength and comfort in the days ahead for each of you. Lean on Jesus and allow HIM to carry each of you daily. Love you my sweet friend, Deanna Brannon Thomas
Dede Shinabery
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
I am saddened to hear of Danny's passing. I know he had the best possible love and care a family could provide. My prayers are with you all and may the peace of god be with you.
Mary Freeman
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
My deepest sympathy and love to your family.