Daniel Marks, the former co-owner of I W Marks Jewelers, died Jan. 8 at the age of 52. Marks, pictured at upper left holding a baseball ball, is seen here with loved ones, including his brother, Bradley Marks, and late father, Irving Marks. (Image courtesy of I W Marks’ Facebook page)
Houston—Daniel Scott Marks, former co-owner of Houston’s I W Marks Jewelers, died Jan. 8 following a respiratory illness.
He was 52.
A native of Houston, he was born on March 27, 1970, to Diane and Irving Marks.
He was a graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management.
Marks worked briefly in computer and car sales, but later joined the family jewelry business.
He met his wife, Susan Grushko, in 1990, and they married in 1995.
“He always loved to joke that Susan was a cougar because she was a month and three days older,” said his online obituary.
The pair raised two sons, William and Andrew Marks.
His sons were “the apples of his eye,” and Marks was happiest when spending time with them, watching sports, traveling, and playing fantasy football or video games.
He was described as their biggest fan and a devoted family man.
I W Marks shared several photo collages of Daniel Marks on its Facebook page.
Marks co-owned the second-generation Houston jeweler with his brother, Bradley Marks, taking over after their father died in 2008. (The store, founded in 1978 by their parents, recently underwent a renovation.)
In 2014, Marks sold his share of the business to pursue his love of car sales, buying Custom Car Stereo, a store he’d frequented since his teenage years.
He was a natural salesman, said his online obituary, and his customers appreciated his easy-going personality and low-pressure approach to sales.
In addition to his love of cars, Marks loved sports and classic rock, especially the Eagles. He was also an amateur photographer, snapping pictures at his sons’ events.
He is remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, and for being “a generous soul that never said no to helping those he loved.”
In a Facebook post, I W Marks said: “He was an amazing photographer, had a love and passion for cars, a great sense of humor, and was a loyal and good friend to all that had the privilege of knowing him. “
Marks is survived by his wife Susan, their sons William and Andrew, and his “fur baby” Oreo, as well as his brother, Bradley, and his sisters-in-law, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service was held, and also livestreamed, Thursday at The Proler Chapel at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations be made to a memorial fund set up in his name with the Spring Branch Education Foundation.
