Daniel Wiethop

Daniel T. Wiethop, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his home in Pensacola, Florida.

He was born April 26, 1944, in Cape Girardeau to Carroll and Anne Tuthill Wiethop.

Daniel graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1962. After graduation, he went to work at Wiethop Truck Sales until he relocated to Arkansas.

Music was always at the heart of what moved Dan. He started the Little Ol’ Opry Company, which helped budding artists start their career. He was recognized for his efforts when a few of these artists made it to Nashville, Tennessee, after he gave them their first stage time through his company.

He was a renowned autoharp player in his prime, being voted as the No. 1 autoharp player in the U.S.A. If anyone knows this instrument, then they know it is typically played either lying flat on the musician’s lap or on a table in front of them. Not Daniel. He got the most out of his harp by putting a back strap on it and playing it as you would a guitar. He went on to be the leader of Memorial String Band for many years while recording a number of records and CDs.

Danny gravitated toward string instruments, but in the later years of his musical career, he was known for his harmonica. He even had a jazz group called The Cat’z Meow, playing all over Northwest Arkansas. As the family says, any band who saw Danny walk in with his suitcase of harmonicas was thankful. A great harmonica player can make any band sound good. His music will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his son, Matt Wiethop (Kate Harris); sister, Pat Renner; two nephews, Scott (Christie) Renner and Tim (Jennifer) Renner; three great-nieces and -nephews, Jourdan (Cody) Broeker, Cole Renner and Shelby Renner.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dave Wiethop; and brother-in-law, Gib Renner.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, 359 Cree Lane, Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.