Dwayne E. Daniels Sr.

Dwayne E. Daniels, Sr., 66, of Elwood, passed away on February 23, 2024. He was born on March 7, 1957 in Urbana, OH, the son of Elon and Virginia Daniels, Jr. Dwayne graduated from Frankton High School in 1976. Before getting his driver's license, his father required him to do a solo flight in his Cessna plane, and Dwayne earned his pilot's license. He followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a degree in tool and die and engineering. Dwayne started his career at Anderson Tool and Die and worked his way up the ladder, where he became superintendent of the plant at the young age of 27, overseeing over 300 employees. With his expertise, he eventually founded MD Machinery, which allowed him to travel all over the world and build his business. He also owned and operated Kelly's Pub and Grill in Indianapolis, a popular hangout for many of the Colts players. In his later years, Dwayne and his wife established tanning salons across the Midwest, owning three of their own salons in Elwood, Alexandria, and Fishers. After selling their salons, Dwayne formed the company Vortex, partnering up with Universal Blower and traveled all 48 states installing and maintaining fan systems for wastewater plants. Dwayne was a precinct committeeman in Pipe Creek Township. In his free time, Dwayne earned his black belt in karate and also enjoyed working out with his friends at Anytime Fitness, meeting his daughter for breakfast, boating and canoeing with his sons, and attending games and extracurricular activities of his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed relaxing at home with his dogs, Billy, Tinker, Angel, Payton, Blackie, Buddy, and Jack. Dwayne was a loving husband, father, and doting son to his mother, was always engaging, and always welcomed everyone with a smile. Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Dwayne Daniels, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Michele Daniels; his children, Jessica Robbins (Paul Simonetti) and Bruce Daniels; his grandchildren, Connor and Olivia; his siblings, Linda Daniels and Sandra Robertson (Randall); and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Dwayne's life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Madison County Humane Society or the Elwood Animal Shelter.

Dwayne E. Daniels Sr.

March 7, 1957 - February 23, 2024