Daniel Franklin “Candy Man” Learned, 79, a resident of Mt. Hermon, died Sunday morning July 30, 2017, at Riverside Medical Center.

He was raised in Illinois but had been a resident of Washington Parish for nearly 40 years, where he worked in road construction for many years and later became well known through his work at local hardware stores and service stations. Daniel was ordained a deacon at Sunny Hill Baptist Church and was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and its Faith Riders motorcycle club. He collected pocket knives and belt buckles and would dress as a rodeo clown to help out and visit with people at the Washington Parish Free Fair. He was a servant at heart and loved to do things for people, later in life he began handing out candy to those he met, and became known as the “Candy Man.” He had a special place in his heart for his pet miniature pinscher, Lady.

He is survived by: his wife of 37 years, Chyrel Estes Learned of Mt. Hermon; three sons and daughters-in-law, Dan Learned Jr. and Christine Learned, Ralph and Toreen Learned, all of Illinois, and Jeffery Estes Black of Jefferson; daughter and son-in-law, Christle Learned Anderson and Arvid Anderson of Illinois; eight grandchildren, Matthew Learned, Jonathon Learned, Jessica Learned, Bobbye Jo Learned, Ralph Learned, Joshua Learned, Arvid Anderson III and Bailey Anderson; numerous great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Grant and Carolyn Learned of Cle Elum, Wash.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William B. “Bill” Estes and Cherry Estes of Mt. Hermon; brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, William B. “Billy” Estes Jr., Sharon Estes Klerk and Robert Klerk, all of Mt. Hermon; and also numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth Inez Brooks and Ralph Brooks; and brothers, Loren Learned and Calvin “Rusty” Learned.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and after 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug 4. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Dale Parker, Bro. Ray Wuerzer, Bro. Joe Baugh, and Bro. Rick Ledoux officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Hermon Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jeffery Black, Andrew Klerk, Robert Klerk, Billy Estes, Kohl Rester, Howard Campbell and Richard Foley. Honorary pallbearers were Paul D. Alford, George Burch, Warren Toledano and members of the Faith Riders of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.