Daniel J. Cloninger, 88, aka "Dan, Danny, Junior and Dan-O", a friend to many and loved by all has taken the journey "Over the Great Divide" on July 9, 2023.

Dan was born October 15, 1934 to Daniel and Lillian I. (Gagnon) in Helena, Montana.  Over the years his family lived in various locations, Frenchtown and Wolf Creek where his parents owned the Oasis Bar and Restaurant.  Dan spent his summers in the Wolf Creek area working for various ranches and loved every moment.

Dan graduated from Helena High in 1952.  During his high school years he played football and received many awards for his achievements "All State" and playing in East-West Shiner Game 1952 to name a couple.  Dan received a scholarship to attend College at the University of Wyoming, then returned to Helena his sophomore year to attend Carroll College.  The Army decided they wanted Dan so he was sent to France and signed up to play football for the good old U.S. Army and drove ambulance when not on the field.

After serving his country, Dan returned and married Claudia Podobnik, they later divorced but had three wonderful Daughters, Mary Rose, Carrie and Rene.  Rodeo was in the blood and many hours were spent traveling many miles chasing the barrels and traveling with the High School Rodeo team.

Dan through his life was associated with many Saloons including The Mid-Way, Tracy's, Bank Club, Spirit Shop and most notable "Dapper Dan's".

In 1987 Dan met Penny at a football game, they were later married and had spent many happy and fun years together. They spent many hours playing golf, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and traveling south to Pahrump, Nevada for the winter.

Dan is reuniting with his parents, his brother Lowell (Ronnie), aunts and uncles, many old friends and Penny's Son Lance Bock.

Leaving behind his loving wife Penny, daughters Mary Rose Cloninger, Carrie (Colin) Murnion, Rene (Sam Taylor) Cloninger and also his acquired daughter through marriage, Tiffany (Casey) McMahon. Most importantly his grandchildren,  Tacy Cloninger, Daniel Muchmore, Shelby(Cody) Gill, Charli Mae (Beau) Clark, Connor and Kelly Murnion as well as Shaeley McMahon and Quincy Johns and Great Granddaughters Lillian Cloninger, Kyler Clark, Saylor Gill  and Emma Johns. Great Grandsons, Caysen Clark, Creed Clark and Hudson Gill .  Also surviving are his nephew Dirk (Becky) Cloninger, Nieces; Becky (Bob) Byrne and Marcy (Tim) Dolan and Sister-in-Law Gwen Cloninger and Cousin Jim Callahan.

At Dan's request no services will be held. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. Remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family at www.simplecremationmt.com.