David Lee Daniels, 78, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2026.
David was born on June 30, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Esco Raymond Daniels and Marcella Catherine (Hinderberger) Daniels. As the son of a career Army soldier, he grew up following his father to bases in Europe and the United States.
He graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati in 1966. David was passionate about science from a young age. This led him to earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Biology from Southern Illinois University. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Processing Systems from the University of Cincinnati as an adult student.
He enlisted in the US Navy while in high school, completing his training during the summer. He served on the USS Independence in the Mediterranean for a year. Having fulfilled his Naval Reserve commitment and graduating from college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Public Health Service and worked at NIOSH in Cincinnati. He eventually joined the US Army Medical Service Corps as a reserve lab officer in 1981. He finished his career as a Lt. Colonel in the same service in 2007. He served just over 40 years in the US uniformed services.
He also worked as a microbiologist at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati and as a Computer Programmer/Analyst at the US Army Finance and Accounting Center in Indianapolis, retiring in 2003. David enjoyed his years as a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1984. He was involved as an adult with Troop 223 in Shelbyville since 2000. He was proud to assist in any way needed and to lead his three sons to Eagle as well.
His other interests involved history, travel, gardening, and enjoying hours outdoors listening to old time radio programs at his fire pit.
David is survived by his wife of 41 years, Holly (Olsen) Daniels; children Thomasina, Jacob, Amanda Booth, Alex, and Theodore; and granddaughter, Juniper Booth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Butke.
A Celebration of David's Life will be 2:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with visitation from 12:00 noon until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Military rites will be observed.
