George Edwin Daniels

George Edwin Daniels passed away peacefully on August 12, 2023 at the age of 90 surrounded by his family. George was born on May 1, 1933 and grew up in Edison, Ohio. Upon completing High School, George enrolled in Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. George proudly graduated from OWU as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and went on to become a pilot.

George spent 29 years in the Air Force. He earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medial, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Service Star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Over Seas Long Tour Ribbon with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Office of Secretary of Defense ID Badge, Senior Air Weapon Controller Badge, Senior Space Badge. He attended the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College. George retired from the Air Force after being stationed at the Pentagon in 1988 as a Colonel. He and his family moved 27 times in the Air Force.

Some of the most memorable times were in Germany and the Philippines, where he made his children learn the language of the country that they were living in. George was always a teacher. He had a break in the Air Force and went back to Ohio to become a Math Teacher at Claridon as well as a Coach and Principal. He would have been a Superintendent except he looked too young. George didn’t have to be in a classroom to teach. He was the master of teaching Life Lessons. The world was his classroom. He loved to fish, hunt, play sports, be at the beach and to play cards. He was even known for falling asleep while playing Bridge, but always woke up when it was his turn to play. He loved to Golf and was lucky enough to get a hole in one. George’s door was always open. There was always room for one more. Friends and family would visit George no matter where in the world he was.

George was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Agnes Daniels.

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Elaine (Shaffer). He once said of Mary that he went to the Grocery Store for Oysters and found a Pearl who travelled the world with him, raised their three children, moved 27 times and was the most sophisticated Officer’s Wife any one could ask for. He is also survived by his three children, Victoria Daniels, Vincent Daniels and Valorie Daniels, his five grandchildren Sarah Obenour, Kyle (Michelle) Obenour, Kate (Robert) Bennett, Evan Creasap, Jonathan Creasap and his five great granddaughters, Kara LaMont, Mabel Obenour, Stella Bennett, Harriet Obenour and Ruby Bennett. George loved his family and was known to tell anyone that would listen to him, how very proud of each one of them he was.

The family would like to thank Vitas Healthcare of Orlando for the care and compassion that they showed Geroge in his final days.

George loved a good party and requested that his family have a party in his honor at the State Lakes in Mount Gilead, Ohio to celebrate his life. The date has yet to be set.

George will be buried at Arlington Cemetery with Full Military Honors in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George’s honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

There is a story about making the dash between the date you were born and the date that you die count….. George’s dash counted. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.