Daniel Richard Rudolph, 66

A memorial service for Daniel Richard Rudolph, 66, of Gainesville, will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services in Springfield. A graveside funeral will follow at 3 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, also in Springfield. 

He died April 17, with his family by his side, at the Mount Vernon Manor in Mount Vernon. He was born Feb. 11, 1959, in Statesville, North Carolina, to parents Joe and Marie Rudolph. He grew up in Del City and Shawnee, Oklahoma.

While in high school, Daniel moved to Los Angeles and graduated there in 1976. He went into the Army directly after that. He met Marcy while in the Army, and they had one son, Daniel II. One of his biggest regrets was not being in his son's life.

In the 80s, he moved to Springfield, where he and Tammy Rice were married and had four daughters: Jessica, Alicia, Natasha and Hanna. He loved them very much. During most of their childhood, he drove a truck for Trail Liner. After that, he drove dump trucks for Jolly and Swearengin. He had several truck-driving buddies whom he cherished dearly. Lotis, Hollywood and Jody were a few.

In the mid-90s, Dan met Lyn. The two spent over 20 years together. During that time, he had a handyman business called Rudy's Re-Do. Dan and Lyn had ups and downs, but he truly loved her. They shared a lot of the same interests. Dan's favorite times were spent barbecuing with his family and friends. He loved Nascar, Dale Earnhardt and Busch beer. Lyn enjoyed all of those things also, so it worked out. Dan had a life full of people who loved him. He was very appreciative of the love his daughters showed at the end. They were his greatest accomplishment.

His family will cherish the memories they have.

Dan is survived by his sisters: Cathy, Peper, Dawn, Shelly and others unknown; Mamaw, Ada Copeland; his son, Danny Leonard (Oklahoma); his daughters and grandkids: Jessi Rudolph, her husband Zack and daughters Charlette and Makenzi; Alicia Rudolph, her partner Tim and daughters Haleigh and Audrey; Natasha Rudolph and her partner Brian and sons Ashton and Easton all of Springfield; and Hanna Schaum, her partner Darvin and daughters Lydia and Amelia of Sycamore; the Helton family, who were very dear to his heart. Dan loved them all very much.

Dan is preceded in death by both of his parents, Papa John Copeland and the love of his life, Lyn Perryman. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fayetteville VA.

Arrangements by Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield.