Lawrence William Daniels was born on May 9, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., to the late John Henry and Arthur Lee Daniels. Lawrence was the oldest of four children to be born to this union. His sister Natalie preceded him in death.

Lawrence was educated in the Chicago School District and attended DuSable High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1960 in Chicago. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer with numerous military awards, Lawrence retired from the U.S. Navy in May 1988 after serving 28 years.

Lawrence met and married Linda Moore (who preceded him in death) of St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 26, 1965. To this union four sons were born, Lawrence Michael (Kansas City, Mo.), Lance Anthony (Silver Spring, Md.), Lyle Brandon (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Laith Aaron (Kansas City, Mo.).

He accepted Christ in 1979 while attending Second Missionary Baptist Church of Grandview, Mo., under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Donald D. Ford I. Brother Daniels served faithfully in his new life in Christ. He served as an usher, Sunday school teacher, bus driver, assistant superintendent of Sunday school and as a deacon. He then accepted his call to the ministry and preached his initial sermon in 1981 at the Second Missionary Baptist Church. He was later ordained in 1987.

In January 1985, the U.S. Navy transferred him and his family to his final military station at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Oak Harbor. The Lord led Reverend Daniels to start a Bible study in his home on Friday nights. From this Bible study the Lord birthed the New Life Missionary Baptist Church of Oak Harbor. Pastor Daniels was well known for his preaching and teaching ministry. He also sought out active members of the community, working with both civilian and military families. Pastor Daniels served the New Life Church faithfully for 10 years. Then, in April 1995, he accepted the call to return to the Second Missionary Baptist Church of Grandview, Mo., to serve as assistant pastor. He served in this capacity for approximately 18 months when God called him to establish a new ministry in the community of Blue Springs, Mo., called Holy Hill Baptist Church.

During this period, and after an extended illness, his wife Linda went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2001. However, the Lord saw fit to restore his joy in marriage to long-time friend Claudia Mae Williams.

Pastor Daniels and his new bride “Tena” were married on Feb. 14, 2002. Claudia brought to the union three children: Tracey La Chelle, Tammy Charsnel and Traune Ishmael. Pastor Daniels enjoyed being a YouthFriends volunteer at William Bryant Elementary School in Blue Springs, Mo. Pastor Daniels served as senior pastor of Holy Hill Baptist Church until the time of his passing.

Senior Pastor Lawrence Daniels was a devoted husband, father and most of all, a faithful servant of God. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Claudia Daniels; children Lawrence Michael Daniels, L. Anthony Daniels, L. Brandon Daniels, Laith Aaaron Daniels, Traune Williams, Tracey Williams and Tammy Buckner; son-in-law, Edward Buckner; daughter-in-law Colleen Dan Daniels; special daughter Andrea Hicks (Tyrone and Marisa); grandchildren Eddie, Antonio, Xavier, Lindsey, Quincy, Courtney, Shemar, Tavion, Payton, Trinity, Amberlynn, Michael, Mark and Aaron; brothers Kenneth Andrew (Carmelita) of Huntsville, Ala., Anthony Jermaine (Sharon) of Antioch, Calif., sister Joyce Patricia (Tommy) of Antioch, Calif., brothers and sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews and two very special friends, Reverend Coleman Hart Sr., and Reverend Dr. Frank Selkirk.