Wilfred H. Boone Jr.

Wilfred Harryman Boone, Jr., known to friends and family as Dan (Danny) passed away in his Virginia home on Wednesday February 11, 2026. He was 77 at his passing but forever a young man in his heart and spirit. Dan was blessed to be surrounded by his family for the many weeks leading up to his passing. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred H. Boone, mother Ola Earnestine Boone (Sparks) and son Charles Justin Boone. Dan leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years Wendy Marie Boone (Koci). They were due to celebrate 50 years this coming June 12, 2026. His two daughters Lynda Marie Staaf (Karl) and Leslie Ann Schmidt (Alex) along with his six grandchildren, Lilyana Marie Lee, Seung Brandon Lee, Kyoung Won Aiden Lee, Älva Iris Staaf, Leah Katelyn Schmidt and Hannah Danielle Schmidt. Dan is also survived by his sister Linda Armbruster (Ken) and nieces Kathryn, Julie and Kristen. Born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 18, 1948 Dan was the first child born to Wilfred and Earnestine. A few years later they relocated to Arlington, Virginia. Dan’s father, a Colonel in the United States Army was to start a new position at the Pentagon. Joined in 1954 by Dan’s sister Linda the family of four lived the iconic American life. While living in Arlington Dan attended Ellen Glasgow Middle School and Hammond High School. In 1963 the family moved to Mount Vernon where he finished his high school years at Fort Hunt High School. Dan loved being active and was very proud of his football and track and field activities and records. He had a charisma that was unmistakable by all that knew him. A life full of friends and even some crushes by the girls. His senior year he was one of the lucky gentlemen to be elected for Mr. Fort Hunt. Although he didn’t win the title one could say he already carried it through the year. After high school Dan went on to college at Virginia Tech to pursue a BA in accounting. He would of course tell you later that it was not what he wanted to do but ever the responsible man graduated with a future in finances. Moving back to Alexandria Dan immediately became active in his community joining the Alexandria Jaycees where he later became President. Having met Wendy as his blind date for a Jaycee event, it was only fitting that she served as President along side him for the Alexandria Jaycees Women’s Chapter. Immersed in life in Alexandria, Virginia he worked as an accountant but later transitioned to a career in stocks and bonds. He worked for Johnston & Lemon in Tysons Corner then to Scott & Stringfellow in Manassas bringing him closer to home. Later he opened his own firm working from home. It was very important to Dan to have an honest, personal relationship with his clients. Something he felt working in the corporate world he was unable to have. Although the financial career dominated the majority of his life Dan’s creative side and enjoyment of personal relationships was itching to come out. Tired of suits and numbers he recalled his time working for a small cabinetry shop in Alexandria. He changed course, retiring from stocks and joined the Kitchen Design team at our local Home Depot. Dan loved working with the community, not just in his passion for design but getting to know each client building those professional relationships enjoyed so much. In 2013 Dan and his wife Wendy decided they were ready for a change of scenery. The loss of their son Charlie weighing heavy in their minds. The beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the Outer Banks, North Carolina called to them both. Dan embraced the change diving into his many hobbies and passions. His love for cycling the first. Donning his helmet, cycling shorts and shoes he set off to explore the Outer Banks on two wheels. He later joined the Silver Riders Cycling Club and in 2017 competed in the Senior Games. This determination he always had to do what he enjoyed as well as his drive to stay fit and active made the family very proud. A bicycle wasn’t his one two-wheeled love. The name Dan Boone was synonymous with the motorcycle. From his youth Dan loved mechanics, whether it be a bicycle, lawnmower, car or motorcycle you would find him working on one at any given time of the year. A hobby and a necessity, he made sure to educate himself on everything he worked on, maintaining what he owned with pride. He created many special memories with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends taking them to events and rides on the various motorcycles he owned. From Hondas and Yamahas to Harleys it wasn’t about the brand but the love and freedom a motorcycle provided. Rain or shine, slips, slides or broken bones …. even dementia couldn’t keep him off his bike. In addition to things that go vroom Dan put the same attention and meticulousness into all of his hobbies. Reading was a favorite and something he shared regularly with anyone he had a conversation with. Whether it be educating his grandchildren on history or the pure enjoyment of a great story he just couldn’t put down. Something he and his daughter Leslie could discuss for hours, often swapping books back and forth. A love for music was something he and Wendy shared and was a topic he enjoyed. Regaling you with stories of the albums he treasured and the latest addition to his CD collection. Dan the dancer and Wendy the singer they complimented each other in their artistic preferences. This balance created an environment for their children to have an appreciation of music that carried through the generations. From choirs to musical instruments, Dan and Wendy’s passion for music created a legacy within the family. Ever a part of his community Dan also served on the board for the PWC Orchestra. A time he enjoyed and took the opportunity to spend family time at many concerts. As life in the Outer Banks became a little quieter Dan’s focus on his hobbies did too. He made a point of keeping up a healthy lifestyle in how he ate and stayed active. From an interest in nutrition and planning his meals to maintaining his property outside. What he really enjoyed that kept him very active were his fur babies. Always being a lover of dogs he spent many hours playing with Sadie, Charlies German Shepard and he and Wendy’s 3 dobies, Captain, Luna and Karli. His relationship with them more of an equal part of the pack. There was not a moment you could find without a dog at his side. After they passed he wasn’t sure his heart could make room for more. Unsurprisingly he did find some room for Titan, another Doberman. Titan was truly a companion and Dan’s best friend. Wilfred “Dan” Boone lived a full life. He found a way to make the everyday experiences he shared with you a fantastical, exciting story you wished to have been a part of. A book could be written on the breadth of his character and passions. He was a logical, practical man who maintained an aura of honor and respect. A true southern gentleman. Deep conversations were easy to have with him and if you were lucky enough to have one, you always walked away learning something new. Dan was kind, soft spoken and approachable. A man loved and respected by everyone who met him, most especially his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Knowing he is at peace, joining our family in heaven, eases the sadness of his loss here on earth. “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Dan, Danny, Dad, Daddy, Papa……….You are our star.

Tributes

Wilfred H. Boone Jr.

February 11, 2026