William Frederick Daniels, Jr.

William F. Daniels, Jr., of Carmel, IN, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2021, just two weeks after being released from the hospital. Valiantly battling and overcoming Covid, stroke and other systemic issues in December of 2020, his family felt he could conquer any manner of illness with the same aplomb and dignity with which he lived. His sudden passing from an acute GI bleed surprised all as he bore the pain from his fatal condition without complaint.

Born on April 13, 1929, “Bill,” as he was known, grew up in Detroit, MI,  graduating from Redford HS in 1947. He was inducted into the US Army in 1951, serving in Korea until his Honorable Discharge in 1953.  Bill did not see combat, but provided a vital service as a self-taught court reporter in court-martial hearings.

Prior to serving in Korea, he trained at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. It was at “the Fort” that Bill would find the love of his life, Majorie Ann Kelsey. Margie was a vivacious 20-year old who attracted many suitors at the Service Club. She was a talented vocalist and pianist and her skills at the “Jitter Bug,” a popular dance from the ‘50’s, were legendary. Margie appreciated the attentions of the mild-mannered, quiet and patient man that loved to listen to her play and sing.

Years later, the sound of music would be ever present in the Daniels’ household, with Bill on clarinet and Margie on piano, and all of the children singing alongside (especially his daughter Amy who inherited their mother’s beautiful voice).

While in Korea, Bill and Marjorie sent letters to each other. Their courtship flourished as the time apart only served to increase their fervor for one another.

Their wedding took place at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis on April 18, 1953. Their marriage was fruitful and in quick succession, Bill and Margie were blessed with a total of nine children.

To support his growing family, Bill worked full-time as a court reporter in his own business while pursuing an undergrad at Butler. He thereafter worked as a full-time court reporter for the Hon. Wm. E. Steckler.  His nights were spent in law school and graduating from IU McKinney School of Law and was admitted to the Indiana bar in 1966.  Bill chose to focus on court reporting rather than the practice of law and started Accurate Reporting of Indiana, which is still an active and thriving business.

Bill read extensively, with passions including photography, traveling, motorcycling, and most importantly his 26 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to date.

His patience, kindness and general bonhomie were recognized and appreciated by anyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In his final year, Bill developed a penchant for Chick Fil-A. He indulged this craving daily and became well known to the staff who were charmed by his subtle humor and sporty autos.

Bill is survived by eight of his nine children, Erik Daniels (Atlanta, GA), Ann Prewett (Bloomfield Hills, MI), his granddaughter Julie Burns, Carmel, IN (deceased daughter Laura),

Susan Bullock (Dallas, TX), Lynne Munoz (Mandeville, LA)  Marjorie Addington (Carmel, IN), Amy Martin (Ft. Wayne, IN), David Daniels (Charlotte, NC), and Frederick Daniels (Carmel, IN).

Bill is also survived by his brother-in-law and friend, William T. Kelsey lovingly referred to as “Uncle Tommy”.

William Frederick Daniels is a man whose life will be celebrated and death mourned by many. God bless his soul joining his beloved Margie in eternal life.

Donations would be appreciated in Bill’s memory to The Carmel-Clay Library and/or The Sierra Club.

Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.