Ernest "Ernie" Charles Daunter

Ernest Charles Daunter (Ernie) of Titusville, Florida passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born on March 6, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan where he was the oldest of 6 children. Ernie had a passion for music from an early age and spent many summers at summer arts camp at Interlochen Center for the Performing Arts in Interlochen, Michigan.

He graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit, Michigan and went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in 1966 with a degree in Music and Education.

After serving in the Navy as part of the Naval Music Program, he went on to teach music in the public school system in Ecorse, Michigan. Ernie was a professional bass player and played music in many bands in the Detroit area, notably Brookside Jazz Ensemble, Austin-Moro Band, and Innovation where he formed many lifelong friendships. Additionally, he spent a short time touring with Maynard Ferguson’s Big Band in 1976.

Ernie loved playing golf, watching NASCAR, spending time with family and friends, and above all, playing and enjoying music.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Rhoda Daunter.

He is survived by five siblings: brothers, James (Theresa); Robert (Shirley); Thomas, and John (Pam) and one sister, Louise.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, JoAnne; his children Chemeine Daunter Poskitt (Graeme), and Anthony Daunter (Diane), as well as 2 grandsons, Dylan Day and Adam Day.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Parrish Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final hours.

A celebration of life is being planned in both Florida and Michigan locations and will be communicated to family and friends soon.

If you would like to make a donation in Ernie’s honor, please consider one of these charities that benefit subjects that were dear to him.

Wounded Warriors Project (or other charity for veterans) https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) https://donorbox.org/give-to-nafme

Save the Music Foundation https://www.savethemusic.org/take-action/ways-to-donate/

Although he has left us and will be greatly missed, we’d like to think Ernie has joined friends and family that have gone before him and is living it up in heaven, much as he did when he was with us. We are certain he has found some band buddies up there and is doing what he loved most……. making music.