In loving memory of

Paul Douglas "Daniel" Estep
May 29, 1980 - May 6, 2014

Paul Douglas "Daniel" Estep, age 33, of Gratis, Ohio, went to be with the Lord Tuesday May 6, 2014. He was born in Middletown, Ohio on May 29, 1980 to Harlan and Rhonda (Griffith) Estep. He was employed with Neaton Auto Parts. He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Paul Estep, grandfather, Calvin Griffith, grandparents, Harlan and Ruby Estep. Daniel is survived by his mother Rhonda Estep, daughter, Ruby Gail Estep and her mother Amanda; sister, Jennifer (Keith) Cowell; niece, Kelsey Cowell; two nephews, Kaleb Cowell, Joshua Paul Cowell; grandmother, Glenna Griffith; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services are 4pm Sunday May 11, 2014 at Freedom Worship Center Franklin, OH with Pastor Chris Cramer officiating. Visitation will be 2:30pm until the time of the service at the church. Donations can be made to P. Darlene Griffith % Farmers & Merchants Bank, in memory of Paul Douglas Daniel Estep. Please visit www.anderson-fh.com to send an online condolence.

Tributes

Rhonda Estep (Daniel's Mother) wrote on Jul 9, 2014:

""Daniel" was always a loving son & a Proud Daddy, once his miracle arrived, Ruby Gail...from the moment of her arrival, he was patient, loving and giving always to his daughter, Ruby, he loved her beyond all words....as he got off from work in the morning, as soon as he came home, he would go into her room and would stare at her...just to be sure she was breathing and okay before he would lie down to sleep. He would wake up after just a few hours of sleep to have some "play time" with her, and lie down in the evening for a nap before going back into work. His life revolved around Ruby, she was his pride and his joy! She will forever be loved and watched by him and Papa, as we know they are both in Heaven, as they both are so deserving of God's mercy & grace! Know that I spend as much time as my health will allow me with Ruby Gail. On your birthday, I feel certain you witnessed the balloon launch in your honor, with Ruby's loving message and handprint on your balloon.....she is our little angel on earth, a part of you that will live on and she will treasure all the memories you left behind, as they will always be told to her, your undying love and pride you have for her! My loving son, I miss you with every breath I take, I wish it could have been me the Lord called home, so you could remain with your daughter, I know HE has the ultimate plan, so I cannot question but Believe in HIS ultimate plan, I can only look forward to the day that I am reunited with you and your daddy...I miss you both so very much, thank you for sending your love to us, as I feel your spirits around me....a gift from God to comfort me so! Rest, my son, as I will journey through this life and live to be with you and Paul again! I love you so!"

Ted Hamilton wrote on Jun 4, 2014:

"I am so very sorry for your loss. Life is so short, and Daniel was just beginning his. I hope that I can see some of you again soon. God bless, Ted "

Daniel's Mom wrote on May 15, 2014:

"The night prior to "the accident", Daniel was getting ready to leave for work. Ruby wanted some fries so Daniel used the deep fryer, cooked them, cooled them, added the ketsup...he placed the plate on Ruby's tray, she looked up at him & just said "WOW!" He smiled, leaned down and told her he had to go to work now, but he would see her when she opened her eyes in the morning....as he always did, during her time with us. He was a wonderful, patient and loving DAD, she was the light of his world & I know he will watch over her, throughout her life. I will share lots of wonderful memories with Ruby to be sure she is embedded with the love of her Daddy."

Caprice Beyersdoerfer wrote on May 10, 2014:

"It is a rare privilage to know a man as good, loyal, friendly, helpful, trustworthy, and devoted as Daniel. He was one who epitomozed the saying, "To know him is to love him.." Our hearts break for Rhonda, Jennifer, Ruby and all his family. May God give you all extra comfort in these sad days. You will always be in our prayers. It is such a blessing to know that we have the hope in God's promise that we will see Daniel again. And may you find peace in God's promise from Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." "

Janie Randall wrote on May 9, 2014:

"Rhonda, Jennifer & family--so deeply saddened by this, my thoughts and prayers are with you. God will comfort you."

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Jewell wrote on May 9, 2014:

"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Daniel. I can remember playing with him in the summers when he would visit the hill. May the lord comfort his family, and send an extra ray of sunshine to guide Daniel's little girl in her life endeavors. God Bless"

Debbie and Jon Brubaker wrote on May 9, 2014:

"Daniel was a friend of our son Ian.But he was more then that he was a friend of the family.We will always cherish the memories of him.We are sending Healing Prayers to his family and friends.."

David Zimmerman wrote on May 8, 2014:

"Sorry for your loss Estep Family. I went to school with Daniel. He was one of the nicest people you will ever. meet. He would do anything for you. I'm glad to call him my friend, and classmate of Preble-Shawnee Class of '99. I will see you again my friend."

The Jewell family wrote on May 8, 2014:

"We were deeply saddened to hear of this...Daniel was a very good friend of our Son Andrew. Daniel was always very kind and always talked of his little girl and would show pictures of her to us...Please know that your family has been in our thoughts and prayers...we will miss him...."

Cody Clark wrote on May 8, 2014:

"He was a co-worker and a friend, but most importantly a great guy. He always talked about his daughter and he was great to be around. Im sorry for the loss and I pray for your family. God bless"

Rhonda Ester wrote on May 8, 2014:

"While I am unable to say what is in my heart right now, I would like you all to know how very moved I am by your kind words. It helps so much to know we're in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you for knowing and loving my son. I am the proudest mom and Nana!"

Jennifer Cowell wrote on May 8, 2014:

"Daniel, you were my first friend but more than that you were my little brother and I always tried to take care of you like you were my baby. I always tried to steer you in the right direction and to protect you. I've prayed for you for many years and I know our God is faithful and merciful and I kno in my heart tthat you are in Heaven with Dad and Jesus and although our hearts are hurting because we know life will not be the same without you.... I have comfort in knowing that you are at peace. I know when we lost Dad last year that you had a hard time dealing with his loss and tried to gwt your mind off of it and invested in your motorcycle. I know riding your motorcycle was your escape from the pain of losing Dad. The accident was not your fault and that gives me comfort. I know Ruby Gail was the most important person in your life and I will do my best to keep your legacy alive. I will be the best aunt to her and I will love you forever and I know I will see you again one day in Heaven â?¡ fly high my loving brotherâ?¡"

The Germantown Senior Center wrote on May 8, 2014:

"Our love and thoughts are with Daniel's family and friends."

jeanette cruze wrote on May 8, 2014:

"Rhonda, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words don't really mean a lot right now, but be assured you are in my prayers. There is no greater loss than a child and I hurt for you. God bless you and your family,"

paul hogan wrote on May 7, 2014:

"my best friend spent many times together growing up and after we graduated we got busy with work and families but remained in touch! the only friend that would come to visit! going to miss you my friend! you will always hold a special place in my heart and a lot of memories love you like a brother see you again someday!"

casey Allen wrote on May 7, 2014:

"I'm so sorry for the loss of Daniel. I haven't seen him since high school, but he was always kind and sweet. Your all in my prayers."

Carol Osborne wrote on May 7, 2014:

"Rhonda, I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing can take the pain away but God can give you the peace to live with it."

Jennifer Bryner wrote on May 7, 2014:

"I will truely miss our early morning chats at the BP. Its hard knowing that I will never see you walk through those doors again. Love and Prayers to your Family. God bless them and may they find the peace they so need."

Elizabeth Hall Irvin wrote on May 7, 2014:

"Rhonda, I am so sorry about this. I will be praying for you all for comfort that only comes from the Lord. God Bless you"

Brenda Abner wrote on May 7, 2014:

"He was such a part of our lives and a great friend. He will be missed very much. Ronda and Jennifer and Ruby you are in my thoughts and prayers. "

Ricky Kennedy wrote on May 7, 2014:

"There wasn't a thing that you wouldn't do for anyone, all the laughs, playing hacky sack at the school or hanging out with the minor boys, there are so many great memories that i will always have and be able to share , it was a pleasure having all these years with you my friend and i understand it was your time, now your with your dad and can join him by watching down on all of your loved ones , we will all see you again bro , you will always be loved and never forgotten."

Heather Lewis wrote on May 7, 2014:

"My prayers are with everyone during these trying times.. Daniel was very kind Man and will be truely missed"

Jude Schutte wrote on May 7, 2014:

"I always thought of Daniel as a Gentle Soul. My heart goes out to his family & all of his friends. May God Bless you all & keep you safe within his arms. "

Andrea Johnson wrote on May 7, 2014:

"So sad that he was taken away so young, but there was another plan for him. And I know he's in a better place but I just wish it didn't have to happen like this. Love you all! I know over they years we didn't keep in touch as much as we should have but I always thought of all of you as kind of an extended family! Love and prayers to all of you! And he was one of the nicest people I've ever known, even the last time I spoke to him I knew he was the same Daniel I knew when we were younger! "

Jeff Comley wrote on May 7, 2014:

"Daniel was the best friend anyone could ask for. Loyal, kind, happy and upstanding. I know he's in a better place now, because no one else is more deserving. I miss my friend more than words can explain. Rhonda, Jennifer, Kelsey and Ruby, I will always be here for you. "

krystal wrote on May 7, 2014:

"My prayers are with the family..I pray that God comforts you all...just remember him from school..quiet, but funny...a good kid from a great family...hugs to you all.."

carol nestor wrote on May 7, 2014:

"Rhonda jennifer and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know daniel will be missed dearly and that everyone loved him who came to know him. Love and prayers."