Dan W. Kingery

Dan and his twin brother were born March 17, 1944 to Ruth and Elwood Kingery. Roanoke, Virginia was his home until he graduated from Williams Memorial High School in 1962 and left for Grace College in Indiana.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Grace College, a master's degree from St. Francis College, and an Ed.D degree from the University of Delaware in 1985. The faculty gifted him a vanity plate, DR DWK. It was a cherished gift and is on his car to this day.

Dan introduced himself to Lenora (Lee) Humberd in her college dorm by asking to borrow a radio. Fortunately, she trusted him enough to share the radio, and then her heart, and eventually they were married in 1966.

In 1969 they welcomed their first child, Craig Daniel. then daughter Erin Elizabeth in 1972, and son Jonathan Daniel in 1973. The last few days of Dan's life were spent with their sharing stories of his being their principal, little league coach, and loving Dad. They relived their experiences of ball games, camping trips, beach days, and travels in a big, bright van to see grandparents in Indiana and Virginia. Dan was an involved and loving father, always present, and a great encourager to each of them.

Then came graduations, weddings, spouses, and grandchildren. A real softie, Dan cried and danced at the weddings and collected a rock for each grandchild on the day they were born.

His happiest moments were family occasions. Each grandchild made a point of visiting and sharing happy memories with Dan in the final days of his life.

Dan's teaching career began in Indiana. While there, he enjoyed announcing the high school basketball games. In 1968, this small high school team made it all the way to the “Sweet Sixteen”. They played (and lost) before thousands in the semi-state game at the Purdue Field House. It was a real "Hoosier" moment.

In 1972 he joined Capital School District in Dover, Delaware. He held several positions until becoming principal of West Dover/Booker T. Washington. He held this position for 15 years.

Dan then moved to Woodbridge School District as Assistant Superintendent. While there he was charged with overseeing a ten million dollar renovation of the district infrastructure.

The success of this project made him proud. Seven years later, he returned to Capital School District where he finished 34 years in public school education. Again, because of his interest

in sports, he became the announcer for the high school football games and was one of their biggest fans when they won the state championship in 1988.

At his retirement dinner, many friends and co-workers took turns praising and roasting him. He had the best time. Dan always loved a good story, accepted good-spirited teasing, and loved to laugh. Because of his sense of humor and on-the-spot commentaries, he was asked to emcee retirement dinners, narrate Christmas programs, and be a host for special dinners.

After retirement, he taught graduate level classes at Delaware State College and the University of Delaware.

A man of great faith who loved Jesus, Dan was active in each church he attended. Through the years he was a Sunday-school teacher, deacon, and a member of just about every committee. In Dover, DE he attended First Baptist Church, then Faith Community. Upon arriving in Midlothian, VA, he was active at Swift Creek Baptist Church.

One particular ministry Dan enjoyed was “Camp Mardela”. Each summer he donated a week of his vacation to run a Christian camp for youth. Over ten years he organized and directed the staff and activities. Hundreds of children enjoyed the outdoors, honing skills, making new friends, and growing in their relationship with Jesus. Over the years, as grown-ups, former campers shared memories of camp days and thanked him for giving them that experience.

After Dan's retirement, he and his wife traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Dan loved meeting new people and experiencing new things. As a boy, Dan rode trains frequently because his father worked for the N&W Railroad. This enjoyment of trains lasted his entire life. He took several week-long excursions by rail in his later years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Elwood Kingery and his twin brother, Douglas Kingery.

He had a long and happy marriage with his wife, Lee. She survives him along with son, Craig (Gerri), daughter, Erin (Jaime), son, Jonathan (Lisa), and grandchildren Taylor Harrison (Matt), Haley Kingery, Jay White (Kimberly), Kate White, Lauren Kingery, Jack Kingery, and Savanna Moore (Jake), and two great-grandsons, Field and Jesse Harrison. He is also survived by his sister, Carole Johnson (Charles) and his cousin, Mike Kingery (Karen), who he loved as a brother.

There are so many special memories we have of our husband, father, and Paw Paw. He always kept us entertained, but always safe. He was always kind and loved us with all his heart. We will always miss him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 7511 N Spring Run Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.