Daniel Crafton Barnabas

Daniel Crafton Barnabas was born on August 21st, 1940, to Abraham and Sunderamma Barnabas, and passed away peacefully on September 8th, 2026.

Dan spent his formative years and early adulthood in Hyderabad, India. A graduate of Osmania University, he went on to serve in India’s Paratroop Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant, stationed in the historic city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Dan made the courageous decision to leave the Army to marry the love of his life and beloved wife of 62 years, Chitra.

Together, they began a new chapter of their lives, immigrating to the United States in 1964. Dan and Chitra settled in Takoma Park, and later Silver Spring, Maryland, where they built their home together and raised two sons, Eric and Joel, and their daughter, Camille.

Throughout his life in Maryland, Dan was a successful entrepreneur and business owner whose interests and ventures spanned several different industries. He was a man of vision, initiative, and determination, always willing to recognize an opportunity and work hard to turn it into something meaningful. Among his business endeavors, Dan owned and operated two travel agencies. One of the highlights of this venture was chartering trips to two Super Bowl Championships, including a memorable journey to Pasadena, California, to witness the Washington Redskins claim victory. He was most proud to have operated childcare centers in low-income communities in Maryland. For Dan, those centers were about far more than running a business. They were an opportunity to serve families, provide children with a safe and nurturing environment, and make a tangible difference in communities that needed it most.

Above all, Dan was a fervent believer and devoted follower of Jesus Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided how he treated others. Generosity and selflessness were a cornerstone of his character. Dan held several local church leadership positions and was a respected and beloved pillar of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church community. His commitment and willingness to serve others touched countless lives.

After more than 50 years in Maryland, Dan and Chitra, along with their daughter Camille, moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 2017. Even as he sought a slower, simpler life, Dan turned to real estate investing while continuing to cherish his family, faith, and the relationships that meant so much to him until his last breath.

From his early years in India and service in the Indian Army to building businesses and a loving home, Dan lived a life of purpose and impact. Above all, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a man of faith whose legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Sunderamma Barnabas, and siblings Benton, Helen, Essica, Sarala and Winston.

Beloved survivors include sons Eric (Betty) Barnabas, Joel (Katrin) Barnabas, daughter Camille Barnabas, granddaughter Emily Barnabas and grandsons Brandon Barnabas, Jayden Barnabas, and Kai Barnabas. He is also survived by his brother Newton Barnabas, a host of nieces and nephews, and cherished dogs, Knox and Niko.

Memorial service will be held at Oaklands Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 711 N Maney, Murfreesboro, TN on September 20, 2026, at 4pm.

Flowers and expressions of sympathy may be sent to 2715 Waywood Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels and an online guestbook for the Barnabas family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.