Charles "Chuck" Daniels was born September 30, 1930 in Phoenix, AZ. He was the oldest child born to Eddie Ernest,
Sr (deceased) and Alberta Lee Daniels (deceased) Chuck was the oldest of 8 children who included Marshall Evans
Daniels (deceased), Eddie Ernest Daniels, Jr.(deceased), Elizabeth Edna Mickens, Gloria Dean Smith, Joe Louis Daniels (deceased), Ethel Mary Daniels, and Robert Daniels.
As one of six 'Rat Pack' boys from Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 23, 1945, Chuck set out to and successfully enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 15. (President Harry
Truman later granted amnesty to those who prematurely enlisted in the military enabling Chuck to continuously serve in the military armost 30 years.). Upon entering the military, Chuck found himself at the end of the Second World War in Japan and the start of the Korean War. He also served in the Vietnam War. By August 1951 he went from serving as Sergeant First Class to Master Sergeant where he served most of his career at different promotional levels. Early in his career, he served as administrator for 250-300 soldiers just before the military became more racially integrated.
He was a self educated man, much more articulate than many with college degrees. Although he encountered acts of racism during his life, he treated everyone the same regardless of race, ethnic, religion or other demographic category. He once stated that he sought overseas assignments because Army life for a Black soldier was almost always more tolerable, if not downright enjoyable. He enjoyed his time managing nightclubs overseas; becoming more fluent in Japanese. At the same time, he became affectionately known as 'Big Dan' to the many soldiers that he led.
In November of 1953, he signed up for a second tour of duty in Korea. However, he ended up being reassigned from the First Cavalry Division, 99th Field Artillery Battalion/8145th Army Unit in Hokkaido, Japan until 1955. In 1955, he was transferred to Ikego Ammunition Storage Area, Honshu, Japan, until 1957. During this time in Japan, Chuck met and married his wife of 61 years, Yoshimi Higuchi. They would become the parents to a son, Melvin Lee (deceased) and daughter, Alberta Lee.
Chuck was a loyal and patriotic American who proudly served his country for 30 years; a great man who was truly a leader. Master Sergeant Daniels retired from military service in June of 1975 to follow his entrepreneurial pursuits, operating his own janitorial business in California. In 2003, Chuck and Yoshimi moved back to Phoenix, Arizona after residing in Pleasanton, California for many years.
Chuck leaves to mourn, his beloved wife Yoshimi; devoted daughter Alberta "Berti" Daniels; grand- daughter Akemi Lea Marshall; great grandchildren: Khyri Dante Marshall and Deon Kymoni, Kenzo Chozyn, Kamari Le Nay and
Keziyah Lorraine Westbrook. He leaves very special friends Charlie and Nydia Gaston; Charlie has been by Chuck's side since Viet Nam and Norma Nelson, who has been like a second daughter for nearly 40 years and family friend
Charles Mathis. His passing has also left to mourn his siblings, nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends.