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Daniel J. Ruggles was born in Wellston, Ohio on July 4, 1941 to Raymond Harold Ruggles and Georgia Kathleen White Ruggles. He passed away on January 28, 2022 at the age of 80. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, brother Tommy Ruggles and sister Kae Gimble. He is survived by his brother Jimmy Ruggles. Daniel married Carolyn Heidemann (husband, Boyd Vaughn) on August 4 1960. They had five children; son Damon Ruggles, daughter DeAnna Mercado (husband, Noel Mercado) daughter Julie Wright (husband, Trevor Wright) son Christopher Ruggles (wife, Jessica Ruggles) and daughter Elisabeth Ruggles (partner, Brent Riley). Daniel had four grandsons; Dylan Mercado (wife, Emily Mercado), Darian Ruggles, Nolan Mercado, and Rowan Ruggles. He had six granddaughters; Megan Mercado, Kelsey Hooks, Hailey Angulo, Briana Lazaga (husband, Sean Lazaga) Kristin Kyne (husband, Cody Kyne) and Isabel Ruggles. He had three great grandsons; Gage Mercado, Ezra Hooks and Adrian Wolfe Montoya. He had two great granddaughters; Autumn and Emma Lazaga. Daniel was a loving father and grandfather who left a legacy of compassion, humor and love. Daniel served in the United States Army from July 31, 1958 to July 30,1964 where he received the parachutist badge and performed as an Airborne Medic involved in many daring operations with the 82nd Airborne Division, jumping out of planes alongside air dropped tanks, and heavy machinery over frozen Alaskan lakes, just to name one of the many adventures he spoke about often. Daniel remained proud of his service until his last days. Daniel retired from the Travis County Sheriff’s Department with 15 years of service as a Sergeant with the Deputy Sheriff’s Office. He was instrumental in numerous undercover operations that provided for the safety of its citizens as well as compassionate services caring for the homeless in his district. Daniel was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served faithfully in many positions, particularly in the scouting program where he served as Assistant Scout Master. He helped shape the lives of many young men in their formative years, including his son Damon Ruggles by helping him achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, while also making his daughter DeAnna an honorary scout. Daniel was known for telling fantastic and funny stories and for making everyone feel seen and important. He was curious about so much; the world, the universe and loved to have philosophical, deep conversations as well as silly ones. He loved to laugh and make others laugh and he never met a person who was not a friend. Daniel's kindness and generosity was extended to all he came across; family, friend or stranger. Daniel was loved by many and will be missed by many. Visitation will begin on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 12:45 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Daniel J. Ruggles

July 4, 1941 - January 28, 2022