Daniel Philip Pearlmutter

Daniel Pearlmutter, 86, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on February 22, 2026. Born July 8, 1939, in St. Louis, Daniel spent his life rooted in the city he loved, shaped by world travel and a lifelong devotion to art and history. A graduate of Ladue High School and Washington University School of Fine Art, where he refined the talents that would define his life.

Daniel was an artist in every sense; graphic artist, painter, illustrator, and one of St. Louis’s most sought-after courtroom artists for Channel 4 and CNN. He carried his sketchbook everywhere, capturing people before they even realized he was drawing them. He had a gift for turning strangers into friends, often by handing them a sketch of themselves before they knew what he was up to.

He was known for his presence throughout the years on the Landing, Central West End, O’Connell’s, and the Hi Pointe area, where he could be found sketching patrons on whatever paper was nearby. You never knew where you might run into Daniel, but you always knew you’d walk away with a story.

Daniel was the co-producer and artist behind Gaslight Square, the acclaimed production at the Missouri History Museum. His illustrations accompanied the works of many St. Louis writers, and his artistic fingerprints remain woven throughout the city’s cultural landscape. He left an imprint on St. Louis, its artists, its writers, its neighborhoods, and the countless people he sketched along the way.

Incredibly witty, endlessly curious, and always willing to help, Daniel lived a life centered around the things he loved most: art, history, ex-wife Janice Pearlmutter, his daughters, their friends, and his dogs. His humor, curiosity, and warmth made him unforgettable. He adored his grandchildren and delighted in watching their creativity unfold. His art lives on in the city he loved and with the people he met.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Stella Pearlmutter; brother, David Pearlmutter; and soulmate, Jan Pearlmutter. He is survived by his daughters Eve Pearlmutter, Shana Pearlmutter (Mohamed Danja), and Wende Pearlmutter Meissner (Donald); and his grandchildren Gideon, Ilana, Eli Meissner, and Abrahim Danja.

A memorial burial will be held at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery on April 12th at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Louis Police Foundation (https://St. Louis Police Foundation) or The Missouri History Museum (https://10379a.blackbaudhosting.com/10379a/Annual-Contribution)