Dan was born in Florida to Milton and Ethelynd Archer. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a naval aviator, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The highlight of his career was the decade he spent as a test pilot with Grumman. His love of aviation never left him, and he also spent many years as a flight instructor, passing his passion for flying on to others. He even built an RV-10 airplane in his garage with the help of his nephew Bob, a project that captured his spirit perfectly.
Dan was known for his deep love for his wife, Diana. Together they built their dream home in Corpus Christi, Texas, and shared a love of cruising that brought them wonderful memories and many dear cruise friends along the way.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana, his mother Ethelynd, and his brother, Milton.
He is survived by his children, Sharon Isaac and her husband Barton, Clay Archer and his wife Margaret, Sunny Folmar and her husband Rick, and Christina Thissen and her husband Craig; his brother, Chris Archer and his wife Jutta; his nieces, Tammy Mutina and her husband Bob, and Sophie Archer; and his grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Savanna, Nathan, Sarah, Abby, Katie, and Gage.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Courtland, Cassy (CC), and Joesph for the compassionate care and kindness they showed Dan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 1pm on November 22, 2026. A Military Honors ceremony at Jacksonville National Cemetery will take place at 10:30 am on Monday, November 23, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the FSHD Society or the Alzheimer's Association.
