Mark Daniels

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

Mark Anthony Daniels was a shy, introverted child. Dr. Spock from Star Trek was his hero. Through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a high school football coach, he became a world changer through his love for people. To strangers, Mark was warm, kind and compassionate, with a winning smile. To his family, he was their “road dog”, their “gray baby”, their wise counsel, their loyal son/brother/uncle who loved to laugh but learned to cry. To his friends, he was born for adversity, always available and determined to confront whatever life would bring. Many described him as a gentle giant, faithful, caring, with a heart made of pure gold. To Vanessa he was her other half, her “holy of holies person”, her bestie, protector, lover, flesh of her flesh…bone of her bone. They were inseparable soul mates, evidenced in his last words…to her: “I love you.”

Although Mark is now absent from this life, he has left very distinct footprints on the hearts of everyone he met. Life flowed through him and brought hope to the hopeless, love to the unlovable, strength to the weak. He was the perfect balance of lion and lamb, ferocity and gentleness. Mark Daniels truly was all things to all people so that by all possible means some might be saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving.

If you knew him, you would know the depth of this truth. If you didn’t know him, you would certainly have realized it within your first conversation with him. He had a grace and a gift for giving and living. May his life challenge and encourage all of us to be more like him just as he pursued a life of being more like Him (Jesus).

With great joy, we celebrate the life and indelible mark of Mark Anthony Daniels, today and always, until we see him again face to face in heaven!


In reflecting on the map of Mark's footprints when establishing the legacy he would leave behind you would find Him as:

Leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and ROTC while attending MacArthur High School.
His football athleticism and prowess as defensive tackle helped his high school win many football games.
Through Fellowship of Christian Athletes he helped his school grow to hundreds of Christians and change its moral compass.
He graduated from from Southwestern Oklahoma State University
He was drafted by many NFL teams including Seahawks and Falcons but signed with Dallas Cowboys.

A knee injury in the final scrimmage during training camp ended his professional career before he could even get it started.
He helped hundreds of people with health and life insurance policies and was an agent with Turtle Creek Financial group.
His ministry through Gateway Church’s Marriage Challenge, Freedom and Altar ministries, as well as Promise Principles and Kairos groups helped hundreds of men, women and married couples find freedom, healing and restoration.


Mark is preceded in death by His parents Charles and Ethel Mae and 2 brothers;Charles and Ronnie Daniels.
Mark is survived by His Soul Mate and Loving Wife; Vanessa,
His Daughter; Whitney, His Son;Blake and His Grandson; Jivanni.
3 Brothers; Billie and Wife, Aletha, James and Wife, Charlie Mae, Jessie Rae and Wife,Annette, 3 Sisters; Patricia Ann Marshall and Husband, Arnold, Gwen Miles and Janet Daniels. 1 Sister in Law, Helen Daniels.
“A small tribe of nieces, nephews and cousins, plus a host of friends.”

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to go towards Mark’s unexpected medical expenses. As an expression of sympathy, monetary contributions can be sent to:

Kendall Tran (c/o Vanessa Daniels)
6033 Terrace Oaks Lane
Ft. Worth TX 76112

https://www.gofundme.com/mark-and-vanessa-daniels …