Maurice John Daniels

Maurice John Daniels, a beloved husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 1, 2024. He was 99 years old. Maurice was commonly called Maury by friends and family, but he was also lovingly known as gramps, Uncle Mouse and occasionally “flathead” to those who loved him most.

Maury was born on May 11, 1924, in Saint Mary’s, Pennsylvania. In 1943, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II. He became a member of the Seabees, the Navy construction battalions, and was stationed at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. After the war, Maury returned home and married Maxine “Mickey” Margaret Daniels (Mullaney) on September 22, 1951.  Maury and Mickey had 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Maury is survived by his children, Jude Daniels (Barbara), Mary Jo Wilson (James) and Lucy Haycraft (Michael); his grandchildren, Christopher Daniels (Julie), Rochelle Mumy (Travis), Ashley Archambault (Matthew), Julie McCarthy (Jeffery), Michael DePeau-Wilson (Danielle), Andrew Wilson (Vale), Sean Wilson, Kevin Haycraft, Jude Haycraft and Daniel Haycraft; and his great grandchildren, Christopher, Claire, Presley, Pierson, Garrett, Lyla, Laken, Lincoln, Emmett, Lana, Walker James, Amalia, Livia, and Crue.

Maury was preceded in death was his wife Mickey, his sisters Agatha, Lucy, Marquerite, and his brothers, Sylvester, Ambrose, George, and Joseph.

Maury’s family will forever remember him for the love he shared with his children, grandchildren and especially his great grandchildren – many of whom are babies and toddlers will know him best by his long, warm, and loving cuddles. He will be remembered for his compassion and quick-to-laugh demeanor. He will be remembered for sharing countless life lessons, unflinching love and support, and showing everyone what it means to serve and respect his country.

In many ways, his loved ones had so many more years with him than anyone expected. He was sharp, clever, sweet and kind right up to the end of his life. And while his health eventually failed him, his sense of humor never did. He blessed this world with 99.9 wonderfully full years that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew him even for just a few of them.

A memorial service will be held for Maury 11 am on May 18th, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 939 Charlotte Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI. And it will be followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Father Bart Hall nearby. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Ft. Custer National Cemetery 10:30 am on May 20, 2024. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo VFW Post 827 Building Fund.

Maury will be missed by so many and will be remembered as a golf champion, fish feared him, and everyone loved him. 

WW2 99