Daniel Marks

Daniel Scott Marks of Houston, Texas died on January 8, 2023 at 4:30 pm with his beloved family by his side, after battling a critical respiratory illness in the hospital the previous week. Daniel, 52, a native Houstonian, was born on March 27, 1970 to Diane and Irving Marks. After graduating from Alexander Smith Academy in 1988, he went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A&M University. Following college, Daniel worked in computer and car sales before joining the family business, I.W. Marks Jewelers, which he co-owned with his brother, Bradley, after their father’s passing in 2008. In 2014, Daniel sold his half of the business to pursue other interests, eventually purchasing Custom Car Stereo, where he had been a customer since the age of 16. This was no surprise to anyone that knew Daniel, combining several of his passions. Daniel was a born salesman, and his customers loved his easy-going personality and low pressure approach. In June, 1990, Daniel met the love of his life, Susan Grushko, through mutual friends that she knew from high school and which he met at A&M. Susan was immediately drawn to Daniel’s gentle nature, referring to him early on as her teddy bear. They quickly began spending more time together, and eventually their relationship grew from that friendship, to the extent that Susan can’t actually pinpoint what would have been their official first date, but some time around August, 1990. They were engaged in August, 1992 when Daniel realized Susan was the one and didn’t want to let her get away, even though he knew they both still had to finish school. They were married on May 28, 1995. He always loved to joke that Susan was a cougar because she was a month and three days older. Early in their marriage, Daniel took an interest in their many nieces and nephews, Susan’s sisters’ young children. He was a beloved and dedicated uncle who loved spending time with them, often inviting all of them on outings and sleepovers without even asking Susan first. Daniel wanted nothing more than to be a father and, after trying for several years, one of the proudest days of his life was when William (Boog) was finally born in 2005 and then again when Andrew (Woo) was born in 2007. The boys were the apples of his eye, and he was happiest when he was spending time with them watching sports, chatting fantasy football, playing video games with them, and traveling. He was their biggest fan in all of their athletic and academic pursuits. He was a devoted family man that put his family above everything else. Daniel loved the simple life and was most comfortable being casual at home in his t-shirt and shorts and spending time with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit and sarcastic (and sometimes inappropriate) humor, always cracking jokes and making people laugh, although he was shy around new people at first. He was an easy person to talk to, and old friends loved that even when they hadn’t seen him in years, he picked right up with them. He was a generous soul that never said no to helping those he loved. Daniel was a huge sports fanatic and loved cars, electronics, and classic rock, especially the Eagles. He was also an incredible amateur photographer, often spending hours editing photos to make them perfect after photographing an event such as the boys’ sports and the neighborhood Boo Parade. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Diane, who passed just one month after their wedding, and IW, and his in-laws, Rhoda and Leonard Grushko. Daniel is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, Susan; two children, William (age 17) and Andrew (age 15); his fur baby girl, Oreo; brother, Bradley Marks and his wife, Joanna; sisters-in-law, Lori Schappa, Debra Weisfeld, and Karen Grushko; several aunts and cousins; his beloved nieces and nephews; and close friends that are like family. A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 12 in The Proler Chapel at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX 77055. The service was recorded and can be viewed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3MzM5NjExODIyOTU2NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== The family will accept visitors at the home of Susan and Daniel Marks from 6:00 - 8:30 PM Thursday evening and Friday from 12:30 - 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a memorial fund set up in Daniel’s name with the Spring Branch Education Foundation, 955 Echo Lane, Houston, Texas 77024. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HRKC6RFJW58K8 The family would like to thank the amazing EMT’s from Houston Fire Department Stations 49 and 57 for their quick response and careful transport to the hospital, all of the dedicated ER and Medical ICU staff at Memorial Hermann Memorial City for their unwavering care and concern, and their entire community for their ongoing prayers and their outpouring of love and support. Live streams may be interrupted due to poor internet signal at the cemetery. Unfortunately these are circumstances outside of our control. The funeral service is also being recorded in real time and will be uploaded as soon as the funeral service is completed. If you are watching the live stream and it is disrupted or you log in and the service isn’t available, please check back later.

Daniel Marks

March 27, 1970 - January 8, 2023