Daniel J. Chaplin, 66, of Lomax, Illinois, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
Born on August 19, 1959, in Quincy, Illinois, he was the son of John and Patricia (Flesch) Chaplin.
Dan lived in Quincy until 1964, when he and his siblings went to the Catholic Children’s home in Alton, Illinois. In 1971, he moved to Wapello, Iowa, where he lived and attended school. Dan joined the United States Marines on September 6, 1978, and served for nineteen years. Dan worked as a mechanic in the military and also as an industrial mechanic at several different industries throughout the southeast Iowa area. After years of hard work, Dan decided it was time to punch out one last time in 2016 and retire.
Dan was of Catholic faith and a member of the local V.F.W. In his free time, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage. Being a mechanic was his love, and you could tell it in his pride in his vehicles and the organization of his garage. He also enjoyed sitting down to watch the time trials and the Indianapolis 500 Race in person and any races on TV. Dan had a few best doggie pups whom he loved dearly over the years.
Dan will be missed by his siblings Joan Chaplin of Burlington, Joyce (Robert) Kramer of Wapello, Janet Davies of Wapello, Mark (Laura) Chaplin of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Don Chaplin of Salem, Iowa, Mike (Bobbi) Chaplin of Fruitland, Iowa, and Dale Chaplin of Burlington; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his sweet girly dog Chloe, his biggest protector. She will miss her papa.
He is preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Patty Lou, sister-in-law Connie, stepmother Anna Mae Marshall Walker Chaplin and his sweet Fergie and Chappy who are waiting for his loving lap to sit with him again.
Per his wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel. A memorial Catholic Mass will be held at a later date.
Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Catholic Children’s Home in Alton, Illinois. Memorials can be mailed to Catholic Children’s Home, 1400 State Street, Alton, Illinois 62002.