Rufus Garland Daniel
Rufus Garland Daniel passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2021, in Houston. He was born in Marlin on July 11, 1924, to Hubert Louis and Vernetti (Nettie) Casey Daniel. He lived in Marlin most of his life.
After graduating from Marlin High School in 1943 he enlisted in the US Naval Aviation Cadet Program. After serving in World War II, he returned to Marlin and he met Joyce Eloise Smiley in 1946. They married Jan. 24, 1947.
He followed in his dad’s footsteps and became a barber, working alongside his dad and brother for many years. In addition to being a barber, he worked at the VA Hospital. He retired from the VA Hospital in 1989 after 35 years of loyal service.
Garland loved people and enjoyed talking to his buddies and drinking coffee. He also enjoyed making daily trips to the family farm where he raised cattle. He loved to tell stories and would keep his family entertained for hours.
He is survived by his son, Danny Daniel and wife Donna of Conroe; son, David Daniel and his wife LuJean of Cleveland; and his daughter, Tina Courville and husband Steve of Houston; sister, Jeanette Gistinger of Marlin; and sister Mary Alice Woods of Austin.
He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Josh Daniel and wife Courtney, Megan Able and husband Huston, Andrea Sullens and husband Blake, Kaleigh Gardiner and husband Justin, all of Houston; Winston Daniel and wife JoAnna, and Matthew Daniel of Cleveland.
He is also survived by nine great –grandchildren, Heath Daniel, Parker Daniel, Hallie Able, Ava Able, Luke Able, Olivia Sullens, Cole Sullens, Ezra Gardiner and Hudson Gardiner, all from Houston. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Eloise Daniel; parents, Hurbert Louis Daniel and Vernetti (Nettie) Daniel; sister, Mildred Swanzy; and brother-in-law, Floyd; sisters, Vera Mae Daniel, Herbert Daniel and wife Ann, Dorothy Jane Turnipseed and husband Archie, Grady Daniel and wife Millie, Billy Daniel, brother-in-law Jessie Gistinger; and brother-in-law. J.C. Woods.
Due to the COVID pandemic a memorial service/celebration of life will be held at a later date. A graveside service will be held for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice.