Howard Daniels, Jr.

Howard Daniels, Jr., a Moses Lake resident, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at his home in the loving arms of his wife. He was diagnosed with cancer six months ago. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 6th followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Father Dan Dufner, celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the Catholic Church Columbarium, concluding with a reception in the Fatima Center. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Howard was born on August 3, 1945 in Rexburg, Idaho, son of the late Foster and Lucille Daniels. He died at the age of 67. They moved to Moses Lake with a work transfer to the new U & I Sugar Factory in July 1954. Howard has one brother, Earl Daniels of Moses Lake.

Howard attended two years of grade school in Rexburg, Idaho and continued his education in Moses Lake. He graduated from high school and attended two years of college at Big Bend. He was very active in school sports, basketball and baseball, and coached Little League. He served in the military National Guard, attending Washington military academy officer's basic and officer's advanced command and general staff school. Later serving in the Washington State National Guard as a training officer, with the rank of major.

Howard worked as a welder mechanic at the U & I Sugar Company and after its closing worked for the US Bakery (Archway Cookies) as a route sales and delivery service man. When the company sold he went to work at the Dollar Tree store as assistant and freight manager until becoming disabled with spinal stenosis and back surgery.

Howard was a larger-than-life figure, always seen with a smile and a laugh. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none, taking on challenges that life gave him with great humor. During his life, he excelled at anything he put his mind to. He loved to hear and spin tales of great adventures of hunting, fishing, etc. and spent much of his spare time fishing and winning tournaments. He belonged to the Moses Lake Bass Club and was club president for many years. Winter time he was hunting foul and game.

Howard was deeply in love with his wife, Darlene, of 33 years whose constant care and affection was one of his greatest gifts. It was a marriage defined by the love of God.

Howard was a loyal and faithful servant of God, devoutly following the teachings of our Lord. His kindness, gentleness and compassion was apparent to all. He was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. His greatest joy in life was his faith and his family. He was a 4th degree member in the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the evangelist prayer group meeting every week, a visitor at the adoration chapel often. He was a greeter along with his wife Darlene at 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass also distributed communion to the shut-ins after Mass. He remained an active member until his health prevented him from doing so.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Daniels; his only brother, Earl Daniels; son, Heath Daniels; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 8 step-children, Corinne, Roxanne, Lucinda, Jocelyn, Janine, Vanessa, De Von and Thad; 14 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, parents, and daughter, Stacie Marie Daniels.

He left an empty place in the hearts of his family and friends, but the impact he made on the lived he touched will last forever. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near still loved, still missed and very dear.