Tony Daniels

(From Parker Mortuary)

The family of Tony Daniels, of Loma Linda MO, is saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family.

Tony was born on February 10, 1960 in Fairfax, OK to Joe and Charlene (Drexil) Daniels. He was a proud Osage, from the Grayhorse district and participated in the In-Lon-Schka.

After graduating from Fairfax High School, he went on to receive degrees from Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University in Sociology. 

Tony was a gifted musician that opened a music studio, The Music Box, where he taught piano and voice. He was a long time, active member of the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax, where he was the church pianist for over 15 years. He also played for many weddings, funerals, get togethers, recitals…

Tony was honored to be one of the commissioners for drafting the Osage Nation Constitution.

He was very involved with the Miss America organization. He judged local and state pageants across the country. He traveled to the Miss America pageant, with the OK delegation, for 16 consecutive years.

Tony and his mother moved to Loma Linda (Joplin) MO in 2012 to be close to his niece, Clarise. He still maintained his residence in Fairfax, OK where he grew up.

He enjoyed supporting local artists and the fine arts in Joplin. He was a master collector of antiques and an avid dog lover. He loved swimming and riding his bike.

One of his favorite things to do was travel, with family and friends, especially to Manitou/Colorado Springs.

Tony had a gift for making people laugh, smile and feel loved. He never met a stranger. He was a strong Christian man who loved the Lord. His kind, caring and genuine nature will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and loved ones, who have reached out with their love and support.

Tony is survived by his mother, Charlene Daniels; three sisters, Francine Harris and husband Mickey, Sharon Damron and husband Jess, Lisa Yates and husband Paul; nieces and nephews, Joe Harris, Carris Philpott, John Damron, Tara Damron, Jenny Damron, Clarise Yates; and six great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Daniels; maternal grandparents, Linnie (Drymon) Hurt and Louis Drexil; paternal grandparents, Anthony “Snap” Daniels and Rosemary (Cox) Daniels.

The family is honoring Tony’s wishes to not have a memorial service but only a private family viewing. His ashes will be scattered in Colorado Springs at the Shrine of Remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to a local animal shelter in your area.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.