Paul R. Daniels

Our beloved father, Paul R. Daniels, departed this life on July 19, 2022 with his loving daughters by his side.  Born in October 1933 in Sesser, IL, Paul was the son of Richard Ogle and Margaret Daniels.  He proudly served in the US Navy starting his service time in the Korean War, aboard the  USS Corregidor , and was stationed in London, Falls River, MA (where he met his wife), the Azores, Okinawa, Bainbridge MD, Iceland and Treasure Island, CA.   He retired from active duty in 1970 after serving 20 years.

After retiring, he moved with his wife and 2 children from California to Delaware via a station wagon, towing a camper. Paul thought it important to visit as many states as possible and landmarks along the way before settling in (Brookside) Newark, DE.  He then worked for the Newark Postal Service for 12 years. He enjoyed interacting with everyone along his route, especially the elderly. He liked being able to bring a little joy into their life with his deliveries and would voluntarily return after hours to provide a helping hand.

Paul enjoyed family time, camping, socializing, fishing, auctions, and yard sales-where he acquired the nickname “Junk Paul”.  Being from southern Illinois, Paul was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

Paul was very patriotic, supportive, and above all, a devoted father who instilled a strong sense of family values, work ethics, honesty, and a love of the outdoors.  This was evident by his daily routine of raising the American flag in his yard, calls to his sister Neoma Jean, and weekend family outings. His love of wildlife transferred to his daughters, allowing them to bring home any/every stray of any kind.

After retiring, most weekends were spent camping at different locations in the tri-state area, while maintaining a permanent campsite at Four Seasons Campground in Pines Grove, NJ.  For years, Paul and his wife organized the Brookside Community Yard Sale held at the community park. He also volunteered at the Newark Senior Center and for Meals on Wheels.

Paul was preceded in death  by his wife of 64 years, Mary Elizabeth (Eva) Daniels, who passed away in November 2019.

He is survived by his two daughters, Donna Jean Daniels (John Burrows) of Townsend, DE, Joni Daniels-Smith (Rodger Smith) of Fair Hill, MD;  his grandson (of whom he was extremely proud of), Rodger Lee Smith III of Orlando, FL;  sister, Neoma Jean Hammond (Melvin); stepbrother, Everett Davitz (Patty) of Scheller, IL; stepsister, Alice Houston (Henry) of Grand Ttower, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews. Paul is also survived by his faithful beagle of 13 years, Trouble.

A Committal Service will be held  on July 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm., at  the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you perform a random act of kindness  in his memory.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Beesonfuneralhome.com

302.453.1900

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