Dan Delbert Eden was called to his eternal reward and into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.
Born June 24, 1935, in Haldeman, Kentucky, Dan was the son of George W. and Myrtle Rosa (Hamm) Eden. A proud patriot, he honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957 during the Korean War. Following his military service, Dan dedicated 32 years of hard work to General Motors before retiring in 1991.
On June 14, 1958, Dan married the love of his life, Phyllis Brown. Together they walked hand in hand through nearly 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Their lives were forever changed on February 4, 1963, when both Dan and Phyllis gave their hearts to the Lord at Hanna Road Church of Christ in Christian Union. Not long after, God placed a calling upon Dan’s life, and he began his ministry in 1968.
Throughout the years, Dan faithfully served wherever God led him. He pastored “A Mission Church” for six years and, alongside Phyllis, served as youth leaders in Galion for four years. He later entered evangelistic ministry, preaching and sharing the Gospel wherever doors opened. Dan also loved singing and was part of a quartet ministry. He faithfully served as Superintendent for the Ohio Christian Conference for four years and later pastored Bucyrus Sharon Christian Holiness Church for four years before returning to the Church of Christ in Christian Union, where his Christian walk first began. In recent years, Dan found a church home at Paradise Church, where he was affectionately known by many as “Preacher Dan.”
Dan was a man full of life, personality, and compassion. Ornery and feisty at times, he was most of all deeply devoted to the Lord and the ministry. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or share a conversation, and somehow those conversations almost always ended with talk about the goodness of God.
Outside of ministry, Dan had a lifelong love for coon hunting. He traveled far and wide searching for the next great coon dog, loving them dearly even if he could often be heard hollering at them to “be quiet.” Together, Dan and Phyllis owned and operated Blackfork Animal Supply for many years, where countless locals stopped by not only for dog food and supplies but also for fellowship and friendship with Dan. The couple also spent years traveling in their camper selling dog food across the country.
Dan and Phyllis also traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada hauling Amish and Mennonite families, many of whom became cherished lifelong friends.
Above all else, Dan loved the Lord. Ministry was never simply something he did — it was who he was. In his own words, “If God gave him 50 more years, he would do it all over again working for the Lord.”
His legacy of faith, kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to God will live on in the countless lives he touched through his ministry and friendship.
Dan leaves behind to cherish many fond memories his loving wife, Phyllis Brown Eden; his sons, Anthony Eden, Jeffrey (Linda) Eden, and Mark Eden; his grandchildren, AJ (Samantha) Eden, Andrew Eden, Kaley Eden, Olivia (J.C.) King, and Jacob (Bianca) Eden; great grandchildren, Destiny, Bentley, Avery, Justyne, Jaxtyn, Luca, Amelia, and two on the way; many nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends, and his beloved church family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Paul (Rita) Eden; and his sisters, Georgia (Bill) Piersce and Mary (Edgar Caudill) Webb.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Ave. E., Mansfield. Services will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services. Burial will follow at Franklin Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services
Website: www.wernergompf.com