Daniel W Lees

Daniel W. “Choch” Lees, 73, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 surrounded by family following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. A man of a tireless work ethic and a deep love of the lakes, leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship.

Born on May 3, 1952, in Union City, Indiana, to Dan and Nancy (Darby) Lees. Dan was a powerhouse athlete at Union City Community High School. A standout linebacker and fullback for the class of 1970. He was known to his hometown friends and family simply as “Choch.” The nickname was a gift from his mother, who joked that as a toddler, his walk looked more like he was doing the Cha-Cha. While those in Syracuse knew him as Dan, to his family and oldest friends, he was always Choch.

Dan’s “workaholic” spirit emerged early. Shortly after high school, he showed his first signs of business savvy by opening The Dandelion, one of Union City’s first pizza parlors. Simultaneously, he bought and operated his father’s carpet cleaning business. After moving to the Syracuse area and working in sales, he followed his passion for the water by founding EverythingPontoons.com in Larwill in 2005. He grew the company into a successful enterprise. He spent his final weeks exactly where he wanted to be: at his desk with his beloved dog, Ruby, overseeing the business he built from the ground up.

In 1980 he married Penny Wells in Union City. Later they moved to Fort Wayne for job opportunities and where they welcomed their son, Logan. A true lover of “lake life” beginning at Jimmerson Lake as a teenager, he and Logan moved to Syracuse in 1985. Dan was an avid water skier with a particular passion for inboard boats, collecting a few in his lifetime.

He is survived by his companion of 32 years, Ginger Abbs, his son, Logan (Cathi) Lees and granddaughter, Layken. He’s also survived by Ginger’s sons, Gregory (Kristen) Abbs and Nickolas (Natasha) Abbs, along with grandchildren, Quinton, Pierce, Lathan, Roman and Kayden; as well as Cathi’s sons, Issac and Jeffrey Farmer and granddaughters, Josephin and Delilah. He is survived by his brothers, Bob and Tom Lees and their families. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Dishon and Dan Lees.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Union City Cemetery, where Dan will be laid to rest next to his father. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1001 S. Huntington Street, Syracuse, Indiana has been entrusted with Dan's care. To send a written condolence, visit Dan's obituary page at: www.TitusFuneralHome.com.