Dan Thomas Error

Dan Thomas Error, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, following lengthy illness.

Born September 11, 1944 in Grand Junction, Colorado, Dan was the eldest of three sons born to Douglas Thomas Error and Helen (Kikel) Error. His beloved parents preceded him in death in 2008.

Dan grew up in Midvale and Sandy, Utah, invested with a strong work ethic and familial devotion, as well as a lifelong love of sports — especially basketball.

He attended the University of Utah, eventually earning an English degree. While still in college, he married Terry (Sagers) Error on August 30, 1963 in Salt Lake City. They were subsequently sealed at the Dallas Temple on January 10, 1998. Their daughter, Darise Helen, was born in 1966 in Utah.

After graduation, Dan began a service career in Federal Public Health. The family moved to Los Angeles, where their son Dalin Thomas was born in 1969. Dan’s work later took them to Chicago and eventually to Texas, where he lived the rest of his life, retiring after long careers in Public Health at both the Federal and County levels.

Dan’s life of service was most defined by his dedication to family. He was a devoted husband to Terry for more than six decades, as well as a loving father and grandfather. To his grandchildren, Brendan and Morgan, he was their “Pappi.” He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, as well as their accomplishments. As opportunity and health allowed, he and Terry attended numerous awards ceremonies, basketball and baseball games, musical and theatrical performances, dance recitals, and any other moments that truly mattered.

Intelligent, empathetic, romantic, and sentimental, Dan also had a sharp sense of humor, and a fondness for irreverent jokes. He loved to make people laugh, and to make them feel valued. As husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Dan listened carefully, validated emotions, and offered practical and compassionate guidance and warm hugs. Then, he probably made you laugh.

Dan’s greatest pleasures were simple: music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s — especially Elvis Presley — along with sports, movies, family travel, and poker. His collection of classic 45 records is legendary.

A sampling of some other favorites include: the novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull; Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony; the musical, West Side Story; the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey; peppermint ice cream; Hershey bars; and his mother’s potica. Favorite routines included family game nights and watching Wheel of Fortune in bed with Terry, a dinner plate perched precariously on his chest. Such quiet, comfortable evenings exemplified a simple, familiar life together.

In faith, as in his career, Dan served worthily. Some church callings included youth basketball coach (his team won a Stake Championship), Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leader, and after retirement, Service Missionary with his wife.

Dan is survived by his wife, Terry; his daughter, Darise Helen Error; his son, Dalin Thomas Error, and daughter-in-law Kimberly (Partridge) Error; his grandchildren, Brendan Thomas Error and Morgan Joanna Error; his brothers and sisters-in law, Joseph “Uncle Joey” and Kathy Error, and Douglas “Uncle Dougie” and Stacey Error; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. All will remember his humor, wisdom, and the steady way he showed up for the people he loved.

A final favorite of Dan’s was Robert Frost’s poem: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. In the last line, the poet notes that he has “miles to go” before he sleeps. Dan walked his miles with devotion, duty, steadiness, and humor. Those lucky enough to walk a few miles with him found their own lives enriched by the journey.

He has earned his sleep.

“Pappi, we will miss you every day, until we meet again. We love you, now and always. Save us a seat at the table.”

A memorial service will be held for Dan on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11AM at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, UT 84047. A viewing limited to family and closest friends will be held 30 minutes prior to the memorial. Interment will follow at Park City Cemetery. A second memorial service will be held in Dallas, Texas on September 12th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to show respect consider donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or a similar charitable cause.