Daniel Luther Rucker

Daniel Luther Rucker was born to Equilla (Gatlin) and Lawrence Rucker in Omaha, Nebraska on August 1, 1952. Daniel’s name was chosen to show honor to his uncle Daniel Ware. The name Daniel continues to be significant in the family as evident by different variations used throughout the family.

Lawrence and Equilla married with Lawrence becoming the stepfather to Equilla’s six children. Lawrence and Equilla’s union produced two children, Lawrencene (Lorey) and Daniel Rucker. As a child Daniel and his sister Lorey spent several years in Asia with their father, both becoming proficient in Japanese. Daniel also spent many years in Denver, Colorado with his siblings. His brothers and sisters share fond memories of him being a constant jokester and always wanting to cook.

Daniel spoke often of attending church during his early childhood years with his beloved grandmother, Willie Collins. He also shared loving memories of spending time with his aunt, Romell Marion. Grandmother Willie’s tradition of church stayed with Daniel as an adult. He made sure that his own family made God and church a priority. Sunday mornings were filled with gospel music playing as the family prepared for church services. Attending church was a must for everyone in the family.

Daniel joined the Marines, where he proudly served his country. Following his military service, he attended Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminology. Daniel later moved to Washington, DC where he worked simultaneously as an international flight attendant and parole officer for the District of Columbia government. Providing for his family was always first and foremost with Daniel. Daniel loved both of his jobs and was fortunate to retire from both.

Daniel was a devoted and loving father. He married Ethal Harrison and had two children of that union, Vanita (Pumpkin) and Danyela (Chickie). He later married Wanda Ivy and of that union they had a son Daniel II. Daniel and Wanda were married for over 35 years. They had a kindred spirit not only for each other but also for entertaining family and friends. Daniel said that “he would find the friends and Wanda would keep them.”

In 1979, Daniel and Wanda moved to Washington, DC where he was embraced and welcomed into the Battle family as a son and brother.

In 1986, Daniel brought Deon Woods into the family as his god-daughter. Deon became a daughter to Wanda and Daniel and an integral part of the family.

Daniel liked to travel the world and meet new people bringing them into the lives of his family. Daniel was a strong, outspoken, hard-working family man who had a great sense of humor and an abiding faith in God. He had a unique way of connecting with people from diverse cultures. For Daniel, cooking was his passion. Even at two years of age, Daniel wore a paper chef’s hat while pretending to cook a meal. Cooking allowed him to become the consummate entertainer, always surrounded by family and friends.

Daniel was a member of the J. Finley Wilson Memorial Lodge #1371, Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. An active parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, he embraced Catholicism and served in ministry as a Lector and a contributor to two Bible Study classes.

Daniel departed this life on March 27, 2015 in Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Equilla Rucker; his brother, Terry Gatlin; son-in-law, Keith Miles; godfather, Percy Battle and beloved dog Pia.

Daniel was dearly loved by his family. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Wanda Rucker; daughters, Vanita Miles, Danyela Vick (Larry); son, Daniel Rucker II; five grandchildren, Wayne (Tazz), Newman (Snooky), Kyle Miles (Special K), Kody Miles (Cactus Pete), Chloe Walker, Daniel Dwight Rucker; siblings, Howard Gatlin, Sharon Jones, Equilla Gatlin, Lawrencene Rucker Brown, Danette Baldwin, Danita Boyd; god-daughter Deon Woods Bell (Christopher), god-grandchildren Moorea Bell, Jovan Bell, and Zavier Bell; godmother, Mrs. Frances Battle, god-brother, Michael Battle, and god-sisters Cynthia Battle and Cheryl Holley and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Daniel’s beloved dog and close companion, Jules, departed shortly after Daniel on March 29, 2015.