Byerly Ford

DAUNHAUER, JOHN R. JR., 79, of Louisville, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on August 23, 2011.

John was born in Louisville on August 2, 1932, to the late John Roy Daunhauer, Sr. and Emily Mae Crawford Daunhauer. He was a graduate of Manual High School and the University of Louisville, where he earned a degree in finance. He was a corporal in the United States Army, where he served as a quartermaster in the Marshall Islands.

John enjoyed a very long and successful career as a Ford, and later Nissan, dealer, serving as president of Byerly Ford Nissan, Inc. and later chairman of Byerly Auto Group. He was honored in 1980 by Time Magazine, which named him as a National Quality Dealer. He was past-president of both the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association and the Greater Louisville Automobile Dealers Association.

John was a devout Catholic and was very active in St. Agnes Parish for over 50 years, serving in numerous leadership roles. He was a longtime Rotarian and held multiple charitable and board positions throughout the city, most recently serving on the board of directors of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Most importantly, "Pop" was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He married "his bride," as he still liked to call her, Joan "Honey" Byerly Daunhauer on July 17, 1954 and the two recently celebrated 57 wonderful years together. They have seven children, all close and still living in Louisville, and 17 wonderful grandchildren. Pop was an avid golfer, traveling the world with Honey, his favorite golf partner, to play world famous golf courses. In Louisville, he was a member of Audubon Country Club, where he was frequently seen playing the links, as well as in Sandestin, FL, his beloved second home. Pop was also a passionate U of L fan and a talented painter.

John is survived by his wife, Joan Byerly Daunhauer; his children, David Daunhauer (Cindy), Susan Phillips (John), Carol Melikian (Gary), Christy Phillips (Greg), Mary Lee O'Bryan (Mark), Greg Daunhauer (Jessica) and John Daunhauer (Jenifer); brother, Dr. Bruce Daunhauer (Peggy); 17 grandchildren, Mary Michael and Emmy Daunhauer, Witt and Jack Phillips, Alex and Paul Melikian, Caroline, John and Kate Phillips, Charles and Abby O'Bryan, Elizabeth, Ellie, Sarah Jane and Meg Daunhauer and Allie and Will Daunhauer; and a large extended family and many friends, including special family friend, Deodess Gray.

His family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. Jane Cornett, Hosparus (Libby and Susan) and his loving care givers from Home Instead, especially Garland, Paula, Tina and Cheryl, who cared for "Mr. D" like he was family.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Byerly Ford has achieved Ford Motor Company’s Blue Oval Certification –the industry’s most comprehensive customer satisfaction initiative in automotive retailing.
“Blue Oval Certified"™ is a breakthrough initiative that sets clear standards for outstanding sales and service customer experiences, then recognizes and rewards our Ford dealers who consistently achieve them,” says Jim O’Connor, president of Ford Division and Ford Motor Company vice president.