““How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
A.A. Milne, The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
In service to country
Thank you for your service
Daniel served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Life story
Daniel was born in Flint, Michigan on March 3, 1952. He served in the United States Army and was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal in Marksmanship. On March 1, 1976, he married Marilyn Gean in Flint, Michigan. Daniel loved fishing, hunting, his John Deere tractor, and his dog, Ziggy. Above all else, Daniel loved spending time with his family. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather.
Surviving are wife Marilyn (Micki);
children, Brad (Becky) Jeffery, Heather (Eric) Hendley, Ramie (Mark) Colwell, Steve Jeffery, and Nicholas Holmes.
Daniel was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Cierra, Chase, Brystal, Logan, Madison, Briar, Chloe, Ayden, Lilly, Zain and Kylee;
Daniel’s siblings are Michael Smith and Ernie Ray Smith Jr., Linda McLaughlin and Jerry Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joan and Ernie Smith.
The impact you had on all of your grandchildren’s lives was something that I strive for one day. You always had a way to make each of us feel calm and loved, even on the hardest days. You loved every one of us with all of your being and I am so proud to have been able to call you my Papa.
I am going to miss the laughs, family Christmas’, the random visits, and most of all, the kisses on the cheek. I am so sad that you will not be here for my wedding or to meet my children one day. But, my promise to you is to always keep your memory alive and tell them all of the stories that made my childhood memorable. I love you to the ends of this earth, Papa. I know you’re watching down on us. Until we meet again, you will forever be in my heart.
Dear Dad,
I’ve lost many people in my life, and though each loss was difficult, none have left me so heartbroken as losing you. There is a piece of my heart that is missing, and I can’t imagine that I’ll ever get it back. I will cherish each of the memories we shared and carry them close within my heart for the rest of my days. You will always be remembered as an incredible father; the best I could have asked for, and I am so grateful that God chose me to be your daughter. You had such a dynamic presence; one that was gentle, patient, and calm yet strong, protective, and tough when it mattered. You loved us deeply and the memory of your love comforts me when I miss you most. Thank you for all of the years of being such a loving and devoted father. I am truly blessed to have lived in the light of your example.
With love and adoration,
Heather
Daniel Emerson Jeffery: Forever Wouldn’t Have Been Long Enough
