Michael Anthony Daniels Sr.

Michael Anthony Daniels Sr., age 66, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. He was born on October 24, 1959, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, to parents Jesse F. Daniels Sr. and Mildred Daniels, and grew up with siblings Deborah, Jesse Jr., and Cynthia.

Michael was recognized for his generosity, compassion, and courage, along with a remarkable sense of humor. His primary source of happiness stemmed from the affection he shared with his family, leaving them with lasting memories characterized by his warmth and laughter. He consistently demonstrated his commitment and care towards his loved ones, including his never-ending love and bond for his dogs Rex, who passed years ago and Mulan, who for 11 years was by his side and next to him at his death.

In 1964, Michael's family moved from Summit to East Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended Lawrence Brook Elementary, Churchill Junior High, and graduated from East Brunswick Vocational School in 1978, then studied at the Diesel Automobile Mechanical School in Denver, Colorado. Between 1971 and 1980, the family owned JESERN Enterprises, Inc., a plastic manufacturing company where he worked part-time as a forklift driver before relocating to Colorado.

Outside of work, Michael found joy in camping, fishing, boating, bowling, billiards, darts, and sport shooting with family and friends. He grew up riding mopeds, minibikes, dirt bikes, go-karts, motorcycles, and boats. The Daniels family owned a variety of vehicles, including three Corvettes, two BMW’s, a Mercury Marquis, several Cadillacs, a Pontiac Grand Prix, and an Oldsmobile Tornado. At the age of thirteen, Michael had keys made to whatever car was there. He became passionate about muscle cars early on, restoring a Pontiac Formula while attending Diesel Automobile School and later owning notable cars including a Dodge Charger, Firebird Trans Am, Dodge Ram, "MAD STING" Mustang, and the notorious "MAD CATT" Hellcat.

At Christmas Michael enjoyed the family trip to Northern Virginia to spend time with his sisters Deborah and Cynthia, his niece, nephews, and friends. He especially enjoyed the “Tim Sam's” made by his brother in-law Trevor and playing their signature game Win-Lose-Draw, ending the evening with everyone singing Tony Terry’s “With You.” Some of his other favorite songs were by Cypress Hill “Insane in the Brain,” by Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” by Megan Trainer “All About that Bass,” by Camila Cabello “Havana,” by The B’52’s “Love Shack,” by House of Pain “Jump Around” and by the Rolling Stones “Heart of Stone.”

Michael was also an aquarist, a fish keeper where his homes included large aquariums with Snakeheads, Oscars, and Plecostomus. His trademark was having his stock of Budweiser Beer and always being the life of the party that we will always miss hearing him say “I’m Through” and “Oh Hell No!”

He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially for the Ohio State Buckeyes, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts and at times “on the band wagon” with football. He loved grilling, playing games, and was a "TV Fanatic Couch Potato" with Mulan by his side while munch'in on pistachio's watching his favorite television shows, Judge Judy, Family Feud, The Price is Right and LIVE Cops, shows. He especially enjoyed Sci-Fi movies or if they had Sharks. His preferred restaurants included Hickory House, Longhorn Steak House, and Red Lobster, and he enjoyed dishes such as crab legs, parmesan chicken, pizza, grilled corn, chitterlings, ox tails, salads, and subs. Known for his flannel shirts and caps, Michael earned the nicknames "Bitty," "Mikus," and "Mike." He cherished time with his five grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Paw Paw.” His absence is felt by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Jesse F. Daniels Sr. and Mildred Daniels, and brother Jesse Daniels Jr. He is survived by his sisters Deborah Daniels Leiba and Cynthia Catherine Harris-Jones; son Michael Anthony Daniels Jr and his wife Camia Daniels; stepdaughters, Alesha Ivey and her husband Josh Ivey; Amber Hawkins, and their mother Carletta Howze; grandchildren, Michael Anthony Daniels III, Layla Ivey, Jayden, Jayanna and Jaheim Hawkins; nieces, Freda Brown and Jevell Harris; nephews, Barion Harris, Brent Leiba and Andrew Daniels Allen; brothers in-law Trevor Leiba, Barry Harris and Raymond Jones; uncle's Cleo Daniels, Thomas Daniels, Richard Fox; aunt's Emmaline Daniels Cook and Josephine Fox; cousin Kay Taylor; extended Howze family, and many beloved relatives and friends who were touched by his legacy.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Michael will be held on Saturday May 16, 2026, at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home 32 West 2nd Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43201. Visitation is from 12pm to 1pm, followed by the service from 1pm to 2pm. The family would like to thank Plaskolite for thirty years of employment, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Aspire Home Healthcare, Taylor Springs Health Campus, Capital City Hospice, as well as family and friends for their support and compassion during this time of sorrow.

Please feel free to add photos or a Light Candle in memory of Michael.