Renaissance man Dan Lennon is remembered

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson mourns the loss of entertainer and marketing genius Dan Lennon who passed away last weekend.

William Danforth Lennon was 72

via Facebook

Lennon was well known in the entertainment community. He and his family moved to Branson in the 1990s, and Dan soon began performing a part of the popular show starring his famous family –The Lennon Brothers and Gail.

Lennon would later turn his attention toward marketing. He spent 10 years as Director of Mar- keting at The Welk Resort before moving over to the Branson Lakes Area CVB, where he was the Vice President of Marketing, developing creative ways to entice more people to visit Branson. Lennon was later recruited by the State of Missouri, and served as part of the Missouri Division of Tourism for five years, marketing not only Branson but the entire state.

In a Facebook post, Dan’s brother Bill Lennon said, in part, “Brother Dan passed away yesterday. One of the most beautiful humans to ever grace this planet. His heart failed him. It never failed anyone else. Son, brother, cousin, Pop Warner football legend, All-Star Little League pitcher, high school All-City Quarterback in Los Angeles, surfer, hippie; at 19 years old, he tragically became the head of the family, graduate with honors from UCLA, hard-working wood finisher, rocket engineer, mad scientist, actor, straight man. . .but probably the funniest of all of us, husband, father, uncle, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire, writer extraordinaire. . . at any occasion he could make us cry and laugh and make us aware of how precious life is. Singer from the heart. Oh, how he shined on stage! Accomplished marketing executive in the real world, long-time partner, buddy, and so much more.”

SueAnn O’Neal Clark noted, “I met Dan Lennon the same day as I met Richard Clark (who would later become my husband). We were all at the Radisson for the celebrity fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, May 14, 1994. Taking part in community in the new town would be something that would prove to be important and as opportunity came with a booming town, giving back to others would seem the most important. I worked with Dan on the first Veterans Task Force. And, what an exciting time for all of us catching the passion for Veterans, as Tony Orlando had shown us the previous year! It was a wonderful time to be a part of something good in Branson. My prayers and heartfelt condolences for all of Dan’s family and friends.”

Said entertainer Doug Gabriel, “Dan Lennon was a gem of a man. He was always so kind to everyone and did much to help Branson. He could sing and entertain with the best of them, and I was honored to call him my friend. My heart breaks for his family, and I pray God will bring them peace during this very difficult time. RIP Dan Lennon, as you will be missed.”

Former co-worker Mary Jane Rice noted, “When I worked with Dan at the Chamber/CVB, he had some fans that were coming by to pick up some music from The Lennon Brothers and Gail Show. When he came flying down the stairs from his office, he had a CD or two for his friends. They said, ‘Oh, we only have a cassette player in our vehicle!’ ‘No problem,’ he said. Dan told them to wait right there in the lobby and he ran out the door, jumped in his old Blazer and drove to his house not that far away, to come back in about 15 minutes with some cassette tapes for his friends. That’s the kind of guy he was. He would do anything to help you. Loved that amazing man!”

Mary Gillespie Slivka added, “Privileged to have him for my boss at the Branson Chamber. The Lennon Brothers was the first show my Ricky and I saw when coming to Branson. Had to get their CD. Who would know he’d be my boss. So sweet. Many prayers for his family!”

Branson entertainer and radio personality Jim Barber posted online, “So sad to hear that Dan Lennon passed away. He was more than a friend to my family; he was an inspiration to me in many ways. My sincere sympathy and condolences to the entire Lennon family.”

Sue Alkire, former owner of America’s Best Campground shared, “Dan was one of the first people we met when we purchased ABC. I worked with him on committees with the Chamber. He was always kind, compassionate and inclusive with me, even though I was a ‘newbie.’ He had a tremendous heart for Branson and its people, and it was apparent in everything he did. Our worldly loss is heaven’s gain. Prayers for Dan’s friends and family.``