Daniel Janse Van Antwerp

Daniel “Dan” J. Van Antwerp, 92 of Panama City and formerly of Mobile, AL, passed away February 7, 2018 at his home. Dan was born May 15, 1925 in Mobile to James C. and Fanny (Imahorn) Van Antwerp, Sr. Dan received a B. S. Degree in Physics from the Citadel. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy during WWII working in specialized and scientific fields. He remained in the Pacific as a member of CJTF-1 for the conduct of Operation Crossroads, the Atomic test at Bikini Atoll. After returning to the U.S., he was requested to teach Chemistry at the University of Georgia. With the advent of the Korean crisis, the Navy requested him to apply his expertise and special knowledge to aid in research & development at a Navy Laboratory to produce new hardware and equipment for the fleet. After some new concepts were completed, such as helicopters as a minesweeping platform, he left as Head of Scientific Staff and worked as a consultant with the Alabama Public Relations Associates. He was a member of the Knight of Columbus, Mobile Council where he was a 4th Degree Knight and was also former King Felix 1959 of the Mobile Carnival and always looked forward to attending the Annual King Luncheon every year. Dan returned to Panama City, FL where he built and developed a motel, restaurant and the original Beach Party in 1964. After its sale, Dan did extensive travel in Australia and New Zealand before returning to Mobile to assist in operation of the Van Antwerp Realty and Insurance Companies. Dan is survived by his life partner of 42 years, Mary Nichols and her son, Mike Nichols; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Margie “Barrett” Van Antwerp and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. Dan is preceded in death by parents; his brother, James C. Van Antwerp, Jr. and Mary’s son, Thomas Nichols. Friends will be received Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Mobile where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:30am. Interment will follow the Mass at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile. Assisting the funeral are pallbearers, Mike Nichols, John Van Antwerp, Nicholas Van Antwerp, Andrew Van Antwerp, Bragg Van Antwerp, Peter Grayson. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Past Kings FELIX Society and Knights of Columbus Mobile Council. I lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dan’s memory to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Panama City, FL is handling funeral arrangements.

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