Richard "Rick" Wayne Daniels Jr

Richard “Rick” Wayne Daniels Jr., age 58, of Enola, PA, formerly of Kalamazoo, MI, died on Friday, May 23, 2025 after a sudden, catastrophic medical event. Rick was born on December 12, 1966, in Battle Creek, MI to Richard Wayne Daniels Sr. and the late Janice Elaine (Wogomon) Daniels. In addition to his mother, Rick is preceded in death by his son Matthew Daniels, his sister Lori Daniels; his niece Beth Penley, and his two faithful rescue dogs, Kal and Milo.

Rick’s survivors include his beloved wife of 16 years, Renee Marie (Shoemaker) Daniels, his son Nicholas “Nick” (Savvy) Daniels, of Battle Creek, MI, grandsons Eli and Toby, his father Richard Daniels Sr. of Enola, PA, formerly of Kalamazoo, MI, parents-in-law Sherwood and Barbara Shoemaker of Saylorsburg, PA, his brothers, Dan (Anne) Daniels, and Jerry Daniels of Battle Creek, MI, brother-in-law Brian Shoemaker of Scranton, PA. In addition, his nieces Lindsey (Jason) Newton, Sarah (Eric Hyde) Daniels, Nicole Strunk and Sathya Kanth Vardhanapu, Kimberly (Mel) Wolfe, and nephews Jared Daniels, Bradley (Emerald) Penley, Ty Shoemaker, his closest cousin Kathie Lorscheider (among others), several great nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and his two beloved rescue dogs, Pumpkin and Remy.

Rick had a long and honorable military career. After graduating from Galesburg-Augusta high school in Michigan, Rick entered the United States Marine Corp at 18 years of age. This was the beginning of his extraordinary career of service.

He trained at Camp Pendleton; He was deployed during The Gulf War for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. A later deployment took him to Kosovo, after which he was awarded the Kosovo Campaign Medal. Upon concluding his Marine service, he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and became an instructor at Fort Indiantown Gap. After 9/11 he volunteered for active duty and trained soldiers for war in the US Army National Guard, which later deployed him to Iraq to serve in the 28th Infantry Division Alpha company 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Brigade, 55th Stryker Combat Team in support of the War on Terror. His military career spanned 32 years. Even in death he gave of himself by being an organ donor (Gift of Life) and saving lives.

During his National Guard years in Pennsylvania, he met Renee, the love of his life. The bond was instant. There was a connection that was inexplainable and unbreakable. They finished each others sentences.   After traveling the world for many years, he just enjoyed "being at home".   He was a devoted, loyal, loving and faithful husband.   For 16 years, they shared the best years of their lives. To know that kind of love is an immeasurable blessing that will be forever cherished.

Rick was a devoted son, supportive brother, unconditionally loving father, faithful husband and cherished friend. Rick's ties to Michigan ran deep. His lifelong Michigan friends, Mark and Dawn Spear knew him well and can assure you that Rick was the same goofball back in "the day". He always provided laughter and fun times, even then. On many return visits to Michigan, he loved gatherings with family and friends, most often at his brother’s home, where all were welcome. When Rick was there, they would come; to spend time with him, share old stories, listen to his many impersonations, and enjoy the endless laughter.

Rick was a huge University of Michigan Football fan. U of M apparel made up 50% of his wardrobe. The other 50% was camo, and USMC with an occasional golf shirt worn only if he was forced to wear a collared shirt.

Golf was his favorite hobby. He was so excited for golf league to start.   He had the best time with his golf buddies. He was a hoot out there, drinking, cheating, creating chaos was all part of the game and he loved it so much. He was a member of the Armitage Golf Club, Thursday Night Golf League.

Rick enjoyed his annual golf trips, with his brother Dan, and friends, Matt and Chris, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Rick insisted on being the cook and would wake them by 5:30 a.m, to put in their breakfast orders. He would go prepared with all of his favorite kitchen gadgets, and pans.

Rick was a member of DayBreak Church. Orrs Bridge Road campus members knew when Rick was there. He enjoyed being a greeter; you could not bypass him on the way in. He loved Pastors Shawn and Ned. He liked the music so much and was baptized there a few years ago.

Rick's dogs meant the world to him.  Kal was the first rescue, then Milo, then Pumpkin and Remy. Rick was a firm believer in rescuing dogs. For years, he volunteered in transporting dogs from state to state for them to be adopted. Many weekends were spent on volunteer, animal transport relays.

Rick got his daily exercise by walking the dogs, rain or shine, cold winter days or hot summer days. The neighbors could set their clocks to his walks. He loved his walks and the neighborhood, and he loved reminding the neighbors about Michigan's wins over Penn State.

Rick loved the cold weather. He loved the snow; the more, the better. He got so excited to get out there with the snow blower. He would often clear others’ driveways so he could stay out. He also loved decorating the house for Christmas and participating in the unofficial neighborhood decorating contest.

Fun facts about Rick that you may not know: He was a really, really good bowler. He palmed the ball and threw it curveball style down the lane. He would get strike after strike. He loved cooking big breakfasts for everyone. He could beat anyone at "name that tune", including the year the song came out. He believed 80's music was the best decade of music.  He knew the dialogue to every MASH episode. He could never figure out the navigation system in the car, yet he taught Land Navigation in the Army. He claimed he could get there better with a compass and by looking at the sun. He was a firm believer that raisins should not be in cookies. He could tell you the name of any aircraft just by hearing it fly overhead. He raided the neighbors’ garage refrigerators and regularly stole their beer.

He valued his friendship with Ed Swingle deeply.  Seeing Rick and Ed together whether at work or in social settings was a joy to behold.   They met at Fort Indiantown Gap, worked together, golfed together, bowled together, served in Germany, Kosovo and Iraq together.  Their lives became closely entwined. A true Brotherhood. That friendship extended to Renee.  Ed was a true and loyal friend who could always be counted on at a moment’s notice.

If you knew Rick, you know he lived life wholeheartedly and that he radiated light and love. He loved a lively, good hearted banter, and he could take teasing as well as he gave. He was goofy and fun, loyal and dependable, and had a tender heart.  A truly great man that will be missed deeply, by many.

Please join Rick’s family at his Celebration of Life open house to be held Friday, June 13, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A special time of remembrance, including military honors performed by the Cumberland County Honor Guard, will take place at 2:30 p.m. All to be held at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421. Parking is available where designated.

Rick’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. View his service livestream and memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Organization that were important to Rick include:

Disabled American Vets (DAV) Help.dav.org

Pennsylvania SPCA   pspca.org