Dannie Fouts

Dannie R. Fouts passed away on November 14, 2024 at the age of 80, leaving a profound legacy of devotion to his family, faith, and community. Born in Zanesville, Ohio, on September 21, 1944, Dannie was the son of the late David Raymond Fouts and Esther O. (House) Fouts. He grew up on a small farm in Muskingum County, where he embraced the values of hard work and service that would guide him throughout his life and career.

After graduating cum laude from Muskingum College in 1966, Dannie married his college sweetheart, Esther. Together, they moved to Circleville, Ohio, and Dannie spent the next eleven years teaching and coaching at Circleville City Schools. He led Circleville High School’s baseball and football teams to multiple championship seasons during the 1960s and 70s and is fondly remembered by many as Coach Fouts. In 1975, he was recognized as Circleville Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator. During this period, he also took on a seven-year role as a trained EMT with the original Circleville Emergency Squad, serving from 1975 to 1982.

In 1977, Dannie transitioned to a successful career in insurance, eventually retiring in 2009 as the president and owner of Hummel & Plum Life Insurance Agency, Inc. Recognized for his expertise, he traveled with executives of The Cincinnati Insurance Companies throughout southern and midwestern states, where he presented at the annual sales meetings of property-casualty agencies on integrating life insurance into their services. He also served on the Citizens Bank of Ashville Board of Directors for 20 years, chairing the board in his last four years.

Dannie was a committed member of the Circleville Rotary Club, serving as its president in 2005/2006 and chairing the Charitable Activities Committee. He later received the Service Above Self Award, Rotary’s highest honor for individual Rotarians.

In 2007, the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce named him Business Person of the Year, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Hall of Fame.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dannie was instrumental in leading and shaping community initiatives. He played a pivotal role in founding the Pickaway Competitiveness Network (PCN), dedicated to enhancing economic diversity, education, and leadership in Pickaway County. Dannie chaired the PCN steering committee from its inception and served as board chair of the Pickaway County Community Foundation in 2008/2009.

Dannie’s unwavering community spirit shone through his efforts to develop the Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park. Following the tragic passing of his dear friend and fellow board member Ralph Starkey, Dannie stepped up to lead the project, organizing volunteers and chairing the Friends of Circleville Parks to see the park to completion. He also chaired a committee that successfully secured funds to build the Roundtown Trail connecting Ohio Christian University and the Pickaway County Family YMCA.

In another aspect of his community involvement, Dannie served as a Circleville Pumpkin Show parade announcer for eleven years, lending his voice to the city’s most cherished annual tradition.

Throughout his years in Circleville, Dannie devoted his time and talents to Community United Methodist Church, serving in numerous leadership roles, including co-chairing a successful capital campaign that funded essential renovations and outreach. He also served on the advisory board of One Community Ministries, supporting prison rehabilitation programs.

His commitment to education extended into higher learning as well. Dannie served on the President’s Community Advisory Council and the board of trustees at Ohio Christian University, where he chaired the Advancement Committee, helping shape the future of one of the region’s leading Christian institutions.

A passionate advocate for youth development, Dannie chaired the Pickaway County Council on Youth Leadership multiple times, and his longstanding involvement with the Boy Scouts of America earned him the Simon Kenton Council’s Good Scout Award in 2010.

In addition to these roles, Dannie served on the Pickaway County Family YMCA advisory board for 32 years, co-chairing capital campaigns to expand programs and facilities. He also stayed dedicated to his own fitness, attending weekly exercise classes at the YMCA well into his later years.

Beyond his work and service, Dannie had a deep love for sports and the outdoors. Whether cheering on the Reds and Buckeyes, flying to South Dakota on hunting trips with friends, or listening in the Hocking Hills for the first whip-poor-will of the season, these experiences were as meaningful to him as his many accomplishments. He also made sure to remember every birthday and anniversary, showing his appreciation for family, friends, and colleagues alike. This mindful attention to life’s simple joys will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Dannie is survived by his loving wife, Esther, with whom he shared more than 58 years of marriage. He was a proud and devoted father to their two sons, Todd (Hiroko) of Saitama, Japan, and Scott (Julie) of Tucson, Arizona, and he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, Kai and Ava, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brother, Ronnie (Carole) of Malta, Ohio, nieces Angela Clawson and Amy (Allan) Greene, first cousin Gloria Wellendorf, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Dannie was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Ernest L. (Evangeline) Case, Sr., brother- and sister-in-law, Ernest L. (Louise) Case, Jr., sister-in-law Carolyn Case, and brother-in-law John Beaty. He is also survived by his extended family, including his sister-in-law Carol (William) Pohl, brother-in-law Howard Case, brother-in-law Evan (Phyllis) Case, sister-in-law Frances Beaty, brother-in-law Roland (Lori) Case, and brother-in-law John (Audrey McGowin) Case.

The family invites all who knew Dannie to join them in honoring his legacy of kindness, leadership, and service. Visitation will be held at Wellman’s Funeral Home (1455 N. Court St., Circleville) from 2-5 PM on Sunday, followed by a celebration of his life on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11 AM at Community United Methodist Church (120 N. Pickaway St., Circleville), officiated by the Rev. Marie Smith, with additional visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.  He will be laid to rest at Hitler-Ludwig Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice for their care.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to the Fouts Family Scholarship, Ohio Christian University, 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113.

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.