Danny (Dan) Odell Partee, age 78, of Dearborn Heights MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 26, 2023.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Dan was an only child born to Gordon Odell Partee and Frances Lorene (Dillard) Partee of Arkansas on September 23, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan.  Dan graduated from Cooley High School in 1963 while in his first band, The Escorts, as the guitarist.  He had a love for cars and bought a 1960 Falcon he would own, build, and make memories with for the remainder of his life.  He went on to attend Western Michigan University.  During his time there, he met his wife, Nancy (Bond) in 1967.  They quickly fell in love and married in 1968.  After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, he started his career at Ford Motor Company in July of 1969.  Dan and Nancy would go on to buy their forever home in 1971.  Shortly after, they welcomed their 1st of 5 children.  Dan was a very hands-on father and husband, immediately joining whatever activity was going on at home when returning from work.  Whether it was cooking, cleaning, yardwork, taking care of his wife's or children's needs, or making popcorn for a movie night, he was sure to do whatever possible to support his family.  He also enjoyed being a part of the "City Limits" band on the weekends.  They often played at wedding venues, which helped make ends meet.  There was no length he wouldn't go to as a father and a husband. Dan made memories with his children throughout their childhoods with their annual camping trips to Traverse City, annual canoe trips, drive-in movies, taking his race car to the Detroit Dragway and Milan Dragway; and if you were hungry, he was likely to make you the best grilled cheese you've ever had in his cast iron skillet.  Dan also took his family on his business trips, to Pistons games, and Disney Ice shows at Joe Louis Arena where he would reserve a suite for the best experience.  He never wanted to disappoint any of his kids despite being tired, even falling asleep at The Jacksons Victory Tour concert in 1984. When Dan became a grandfather (papa), he would continue with his support and making memories with each of his grandchildren.  After his retirement at Ford Motor Company, school field trips, bike rides, movie nights and sleepovers, rides in his race car, going to car shows/cruises and Autorama, and playing his guitar were some of his favorite things to do with his wife and their grandchildren.  Dan would go on to work again after retirement.  He made new friends, while staying connected to everyone that mattered to him and continuing to give to his family. Dan enjoyed working in the garage so much that he made sure it was heated for year-round comfort.  He often included his son, grandsons, and even kids from the block in his garage to show them what he was working on.  He influenced them and instilled confidence that they could do what he was doing.  This ended up shaping many of their interests, futures, and careers.  One of those boys became a master mechanic, and lucky enough to eventually call Dan his father-in-law.  There wasn't anything he couldn't fix.  If something was broken, he was more likely to see if he could fix it instead of buying a new one.  He loved being an engineer and that showed at home as much as at work.  While he enjoyed fixing cars, he was also likely to be the one to pick you up on the side of the road if you broke down.  It didn't matter what time of day or night, he showed up.  He somehow made each of his children and grandchildren feel like they were his world, while being a father figure to many.  Dan had a great sense of humor and loved telling dad jokes with his friends.  He also enjoyed meeting with friends for car shows, stopping by while cruising with his son and/or grandsons, or just simply to connect.  He was given several nicknames over the years and was often referred to as "Dan the Man" or "The Partyman." He was the same kind of friend as he was family man.  Dan will always be remembered as the rock of his entire family and the ultimate example of a provider, father, and friend.He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his children: Danielle Odette (Dennis), Jesse (Tammy), Rachelle, Nannette (Tony), and Jacquelyn (Jason); his grandchildren: Gabrielle, Branden, Lynda, Celeste, Jordan, Connor, Jacob, Zachary, and Brooklyn; his great-grandchildren: Jayden, Alejandro, Adrianna, and Noelle.  Dan is proceeded in death by his parents, and his cousin, Nancy Fehlig.  A celebration of life will be held in the spring, details to follow.

Private cremation services entrusted to the Dearborn Location of the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.