Daniel "Danny" Lee Gilmore, 76, of Willard, MO passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. He was born July 2, 1949, in Kansas City, KS to Lowry and Margaret Gilmore.

Danny grew up mostly in Willard, MO. After graduating from Willard High School in 1967, he continued his education at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.

Danny had a love for teaching. He taught science at Fox High School, Steeleville High School and Villa Duchesne. He brought his sense of humor, passion for science, the outdoors, and a few country line dance moves to the hallways for the student's each and every day.

He had many hobbies and interests to include: fishing, collecting arrowheads, riding his tractor, 4 wheelers, mowing and caretaking of his 20 acres in Willard.

He also enjoyed keeping up with students, faculty members and alumni from the schools he worked at. If you knew Danny, you knew that he loved to coordinate class reunions and he loved to crash class reunions. It was at one of those "crashed reunions" that he met his current wife of 15 years, Janice Harris. They were married August 21, 2010, and after teaching her how to 2-step, they danced their way across several different countries as they traveled extensively together.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Lowry Gilmore; mother, Margaret Gilmore; and sister Shirley Gilmore.

Danny is survived by his wife, Janice Harris; his children, Shawn Gilmore (Amy), Nathan Gilmore (Kate), and Tiffany Gilmore (Kyle McPhedran); and his two grandchildren, Juliet Gilmore and Oliver McCarthy-Gilmore.  He is also survived by his brother, Mike Gilmore; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of his life will be held on February 7, 2026, at 1:00pm at Willard Renew Church, 304 S. Farmer Rd in Willard MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.