Robert Phillip “Buss” McDaniels, Jr., 79, died March 17, 2002, in Oak Harbor. He was born on Feb. 23, 1923 in San Diego to Robert P. McDaniels, Sr. and Jeanette (McFarland) McDaniels.

Mr. McDaniels graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he had the opportunity to be a cheerleader. Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. During his career he had combat duty in WW II and served during the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam War. He retired from the Navy in 1964 as a chief petty officer. Mr. McDaniels then went to work for Civil Service at NAS Whidbey and as a ranger at Fort Casey State Park for a brief time prior to taking employment in Quality Control with the Skagit Steel Corporation. He worked with Skagit Steel for 14 years and then worked for Berg Ford and later Oak Harbor Motors.

Mr. McDaniels was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had served as a bishop of the church. He was also a life member of the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge and was a past member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife Lulu Christensen Salmon McDaniels of Oak Harbor. He was previously married to Thelma Rimmer. He is also survived by three children, Robert M. McDaniels of Columbia, Mo., Jerilyn Fairbanks of Ketchikan, Alaska and Jack Phillip McDaniels of Anacortes; six stepchildren, Sally Salmon of Connecticut, Douglas Salmon of California, Marjorie Bailey, Linda Niccum, Fred Salmon, and Byron Salmon, all of Washington; five grandchildren, Rennick McDaniels, Michael Grant, Lauren McDaniels, Jessica McDaniels, Crystal McDaniels; two great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. One brother, John McDaniels of Escondido, Calif., and one sister, Loretta Price of Bear River, Ariz., also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oak Harbor at 11 a.m. with Bishop Jerald Jensen officiating. Burial will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Monday, March 25 at 11 a.m. Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel. Arrangements in Salt Lake City have been entrusted to Larkin Mortuary. In lieu of flowers the family has asked memorials to be given to the charity of your choice.