Mr. Daniel W. Crist, 47, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home following years of health issues. He was born in South Bend on September 26, 1975 to the late Jerry W. Crist, Sr. and to Ruth (Mel) Gard Nielsen, who survives him in Mulberry, Florida. Most of Daniel's friends knew him as "Danny", but the true believers knew him as "Batman".

Danny is also survived by his significant other Jolynn "Joeie" Headley who remains at home; son Blake (Madison Rogers) Crist of Elkhart; daughters Shianne Crist, also of Elkhart and Brooke (Deunate) Carr of Middlebury; brothers Jerry Crist, Jr. of Elkhart and Michael (Audrey) Crist of Middlebury; grandkids Alyza and Bentlee Carr and Atlas Crist; nieces and nephews Madison, Mia, Michael and Merin Crist; his best buddies Jim (Kristi) Smith and Wayne Owensby, both of Elkhart; former spouse (and mom to the kids) Tammey Greenwood of Elkhart, and his four fabulous pupper doggers Thor, Leo, Shelby and Izzy, who are all sequestering themselves in their grief and are all unavailable for comment.  Danny is also survived by a host of loving extended family, friends, coworkers, in-laws, outlaws, and people who owed him money.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting Danny's family with the arrangements, and, in accordance with Danny's wishes, cremation is to take place with a memorial service being held at a later time.

Danny spent over 15 years as a production worker at Bennington Marine in Elkhart and made many wonderful and lifelong friends there. In fact, Danny made friends just about anywhere he went, as his warm, friendly, outgoing and witty personality generally won him many acquaintances. His developed and sharp sense of humor made Danny just plain fun to be around.  His brother Jerry could certainly vouch for that as Daniel always had a habit of slapping a toilet plunger on Jerry's bald head whenever they visited Walmart together.

Danny was also a very kind and giving soul and would do anything to help someone else. He loved his family and made an attempt to call them every day (or evening just to say "good night"). He was a highly talented sketch artist and he also loved to sing and record his own songs. He was an avid fan of professional wrestling and just loved Duane "The Rock" Johnson.  He has a reputation as being a hard worker. And boy, did he love Harleys and Casinos! A perfect day for Danny would be a huge win at the Blue Chip combined with a long, cloudless ride home.

Family and friends are invited to browse Daniels obit page at the funeral home's website for further information. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his family.

As Danny would say, "Hey, Buddy….time to go make the doughnuts now!!!"

To the Family