Daniel D. Mays, 66, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2013. On May 17, 1947, Daniel David was born in East Chicago the son of Marion Layne and Betty L. Grimes Mays. Growing up he shared his childhood with two brothers Mark and David. With great pride in 1965 he graduated with his class from Morton High School in Hammond. Patriotism beckoned and Danny answered the call serving our country during the Vietnam War as a member of the US Marine Corp. Highly decorated Danny was a recipient of a Purple Heart, National Defensive Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm, Navy Achievement Medal with the Combat "V" Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device to name a few. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1968. On June 23, 1979, Danny and Darlene K. Strayer were married at the Terrace Park Church of God in Hessville by Rev. Hilton Bryant. Their union spanned over 34 years and produced a daughter, Sarah and son, Daniel. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two grandchildren. Following his return to civilian life, Danny came back to the shipyards working as a boilermaker with the local # 374. He served as superintendent and foreman of many projects including the Wheatfield Generating Station. Danny oversaw the setting of the smoke stacks set by helicopters that grace the present skyline. An avid outdoorsman, each fall Danny would don his cameo to hunt deer. He could be seen on the banks the family pond with his fly rod in hand ready to set the hook in the mouth of his favorites blue gill and bass. Danny and Dar also planted an annual truck patch garden and enjoyed a bountiful harvest, sharing with family and friends. A loyal member of his church The Cross, Danny devoted many hours to Mathew's Market and was a member of the missions team. Words can't express his love and admiration he held in his heart for his church family. Danny is lovingly remembered by his wife Darlene; a daughter, Sarah Mikesell and husband Luke of Afton, OK; a son, Daniel J. Mays of Tampa, FL; two grandchildren: Cole Andrew Mikesell and Lyndee Marie Mikesell; two brothers: Mark Lee Mays and wife Shelley of Hobart, David James Mays Sr. and wife Jane of Crown Point; mother-in-law Loretta Marie Strayer; two brothers-in-law: James Alfred Strayer and wife Pat of Hobart, Richard Wayne Strayer and wife Sue of Decatur, IL; nieces: Rebecca Strayer, Ashley Akins, Madelyn Mays, Megan Mays; nephews: Doug Strayer, Andrew Strayer, Jacob Strayer, Adam Strayer, Michael Mays, David Mays Jr., Walter Mays; and Lilly, his white German Shepherd. Preceding Danny in death are his parents, an infant brother Thomas Layne Mays, and his father-in-law Alfred James Strayer. Pastor John Branch will officiate services. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the U.S. Marine Honor Guard in the Leiters Ford Cemetery.