Daniel Jan Killion

Daniel J Killion, 71, passed away early October 22nd, 2024 surrounded by family following a brief battle with cancer. Dan was born in Mendota, Illinois but spent the majority of his life as a Bloomington resident after his builder and developer father moved the family to the area. After a short stint in the Army Dan attended the Indiana University Kelly School of Business and continued the family legacy by working in the building industry.

Dan was innovative in all that he did. Motivated by advocating for homebuyer rights and utilizing his vast knowledge Dan founded Sherlock Homes Inspection Service, in 1979, to make sure that the condition of properties was identified through the home buying process. Dan was instrumental in advocating and facilitating professional licensing for all home inspectors in the State of Indiana, which ensured a standard of care for the profession. For many years Dan was very active in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and was especially moved to share his knowledge with others. Dan was, among many things, also a Master Inspector and a Master Electrician. Dan has, personally, inspected thousands of homes across Indiana. Thru innovation and hard work he and his wife, Cynthia, partnered in all things. Together, Dan and Cynthia built and ran numerous businesses for 40 plus years. Sherlock Homes Inspection Service, Inc. was a family business and to Dan every employee was family. To this day, Sherlock Homes is owned and operated by family, his son-in-law J. Ben Hanson, whom he worked with for decades.

Dan loved to apply his vast knowledge base. Thru his Building Science knowledge and experience Dan became a leader in energy efficiency building techniques and weatherization. Over the years Dan has received numerous awards including recognition from the State of Indiana for his innovations. Through several partnerships with the federal government and Hoosier Energy, Dan is responsible for developing a weatherization program that improved the energy efficiency of thousands of homes across Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois.

Dan always put family first in all things and was an inspiration to his children Anna (Killion) Hanson and David Alexander Killion. It was his joy to support them in every endeavor they chose. Growing up in the business, his children reaped the bounty of his vast knowledge and incredible work ethic. Dan prioritized his children and grandchildren and put immense efforts into those he loved. His beloved grandchildren, Emma Hanson and Daniel Killion, were his priority in his final days.

Dan was always coming up with games for the kids and during the difficult COVID era built a gym in the garage which included monkey bars and swings so that he & Cynthia could see the children safely. Dan truly loved his family more than anything.

Dan brought enthusiasm and energy to everything he did and radiated positivity. He was a true entrepreneurial spirit, seeing trends and opportunities before others. Dan’s goal in life was to excel, be the best he could be including at golf. Dan would wake up every morning and say “I’m full of vim, vigor and vitality and today is going to be a great day.” In retirement, Dan played golf as many times as he possibly could and even said that retirement meant that he was “on tour.” He had an incredible network of friends made both on the golf course and off. If you were considered part of his posse, you were lucky to receive his affection.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Clara & Ralph Killion, his siblings Sonya, Vonda, Steve and Ron. Dan is survived by his wife Cynthia, daughter Anna (Hanson), son David, granddaughter Emma (Hanson) and grandson Daniel. Additional survivors include his sister, Beth and brother Ken and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held Sunday, October 27th 2pm-6pm at Day and Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home at 4150 E. 3rd Street Bloomington, IN.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Bloomington High School North Golf scholarship program.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com