Daniel C. DuPree, age 58, a resident of West Chicago, IL, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, after an 18 month battle with brain cancer. Dan was born September 2, 1959 in Chicago to Clarence and Lenore DuPree.

Dan grew up in Addison, IL and graduated from Addison Trail High School in 1978. Upon graduation he started his first band, Crystal Vision. He married Sandy Giron, his high school sweetheart, on May 30, 1987. He earned degrees in Music Business and Music Education from Elmhurst College and a Master's Degree from VanderCook College of Music.

He began his career teaching general music in Bellwood and then teaching band at Indian Trail Jr. High School in Addison. Dan joined the School District 200 team, teaching music at Edison Middle School in Wheaton 20 years ago. He spent most of his years at Franklin Middle School, directing band and teaching beginning wind and percussion instruments to 5th-graders. In the spring of 2015, Dan said goodbye to Franklin, trading positions with another colleague in the district so that he could pursue his greatest passion; teaching band beginners full-time. Many 5th-graders across the district started playing instruments under Dan's loving instruction, and have him to thank for introducing them to joy of making music. In the early stages of his battle with cancer, Dan repeatedly stated that he was looking forward to getting back to his 5th-graders.

His family, friends, colleagues and students were blessed to know him and were regularly touched by his unselfish nature, his unending optimism, his gentle spirit, his encouraging smile and hearty infectious laugh, his belief in his students, and his ability to make every music moment fun and every day lighter.

Dan was a devoted Christian man with the assurance of salvation and a heartfelt desire for others to know Christ, with the hope that he will see them again in heaven. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Wheaton where he participated in the worship ministry, playing trumpet and singing.

He was blessed with an amazing voice and used his musical gifts to sing at many weddings and special events as well as to perform in the Fantasia band with his long-time friend and band leader, Frank Trimble and fellow musicians; and in the Moonlighters big band with dear friends and band leader, Jim Bradley.

Dan, was also skilled at building and fixing almost anything and his big heart led him to regularly help those in need. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family, camping, canoeing, and bicycling.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy DuPree; three sons, Dan B. DuPree, Isaac J. DuPree and Jacob C. DuPree; four siblings, Michael DuPree, Kathryne (Raymond) Pirtle, Donna Nichols DuPree, and Edison DuPree; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is also survived by Sandy's siblings, Alma (Tony) Rodriguez, Sylvia (Matt) Gilliana, Nancy (Juan) Hernandez, Dolly (Joe) Moore, Louise (Johnny) Ferreira, and Joe Giron; all of whom miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Wheaton and Saturday March 10, from 10 until the start of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to World Venture (fund 6160140); Samaritan's Purse ; or to the DuPree family for medical expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-dupree-memorial-fund .