Daniel Mark Ames

December 30, 1957 - January 13, 2010

Daniel Mark Ames, 52, died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from suicide in Columbus, Ohio. He had suffered most of his adult life from major depression and bipolar disorder.

Dan was born December 30, 1957 in Nelsonville, Ohio, but grew up on the north side of Columbus and in Grove City.

He is preceded in death by his father Ronald M. Ames. He is survived by his mother, Paula Massey Ames of Grove City; his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Tom Anthony and their two sons Matthew and David of Powell; and by his sister, Jenny Ames of Columbus. He is also survived by his partner, best friend and companion, The Rev. Philip College of Columbus.

Dan graduated from Grove City High School and The Ohio State University (with honors). At OSU, he majored in political science and was proud to have been a member of The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL). He enjoyed marching in the 1980 Rose Bowl Parade with the band, and he remained active in the TBDBITL Alumni Band his entire adult life.

He worked most of his life in medical sales. Next to the Buckeyes, his greatest passion was politics. He recently was a Neighborhood Team leader for the Obama for President Campaign. Dan was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in old Worthington where he was a lector, a member of the Outreach Committee, and where he sang in the choir. He was also active in A.A. and Gay A.A. and sponsored many people as they first began their recovery.

Calling hours will be at Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, in old Worthington, on Thursday, January 21 from 5-9 p.m. Members of the Alumni Band will be performing around 7 p.m. The funeral will be at St. John's Episcopal Church, 700 High Street, in old Worthington on the south-east corner of the Village Green, Friday, January 22 at 1:30 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal, Episcopal Bishop of Southern Ohio, will be the celebrant and The Rev. Bruce Smith will be the preacher.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to St. John's Episcopal Church, All Saints Fund, 700 High St., Worthington, Ohio 43085 or to the OSU Alumni Band at OSU Development Fund/ TBDBITL, attention Mel Ponzi, 435 Mainsail Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com

Dan was a member of the marching band from 1977 through 1979. He played Alto horn.