August Daniels
Carrollton | Save
August Norman Daniels, 89, died Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Jerseyville Manor.
He was born on July 11, 1937, at the family home, located at 1259 Carl Street, in Alton, Illinois. Norman was the son of the late Ernest and Goldie Daniels. One of five children, he spent his early years in Alton, Illinois, where he developed fond memories of sledding down the city's hilly streets during the winter months.
He attended school in Kane, Illinois, and Dana, Indiana, graduating from Dana High School. As a young man, he worked after school and during the summer months for a local farmer. In May 1956, Norman entered the United States Armed Forces, serving his country until his honorable discharge in May 1959.
Norman was introduced to Marilyn Grizzle by either Gail Grizzle Isringhausen or Joanne Margeson Byland, a detail the couple could never quite remember for certain. Regardless of who made the introduction, it marked the beginning of a lifetime together. Norman and Marilyn were married on June 21, 1958, and shared nearly 67 years of marriage before her passing on May 4, 2025.
Together, they were the proud parents of four children: Patricia, Dianne, Carolyn, and William "Bill." Early in their marriage, Norman and Marilyn lived in Alton, where they shared a home with Marilyn's brother, Larry. After starting their family, they purchased a home in Kane, Illinois, where they lived until building their family home on Opal Road in Carrollton.
Although Norman's work eventually took the family to Nashville, Tennessee, and Kansas City, Missouri, the house in Carrollton remained a constant in their lives. Upon his retirement, Norman and Marilyn returned to the home they had built and where they had raised their four children.
Throughout his life, Norman was a hardworking man with a wide range of skills and experiences. His career included employment with Shell Oil Company in Wood River, Illinois, and Laclede Steel Mill in Alton. He also worked for Isringhausen Railroad Specialist in Jerseyville, Illinois, where he assisted with train derailments and later helped build cranes.
His skills in welding, roofing, and tuckpointing led him to work alongside Jim Wade and Jerry Norton. He was also employed by Midwest Commodities in Mulberry Grove, Illinois, and Nashville, Tennessee, working with train derailments, as well as Central Manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri, where he built and repaired cranes. In addition, Norman welded barges in Alton and performed welding work for Midway Rail in Jerseyville. He eventually retired from NAPA Auto Parts in Jerseyville, bringing to a close a long and varied working career.
Norman’s life revolved around supporting and taking care of his family, making sure his children, and later, his grandchildren, had whatever he could provide for them in both worldly terms and emotional support. The only time he deviated was during hunting season, when Norman’s priorities could be just a little skewed. Family time could take a back seat to the sound of a coon dog baying and running through the woods at night. Norman was happiest surrounded by his family in his home: his wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren. He loved family!
When Norman’s daughters were small, he coached Little League baseball in Kane, Illinois. He took his children fishing and tried to interest his son in hunting, without being too pushy. Later in life, Norman and Bill enjoyed deer hunting together.
As he grew older, Norman developed a particular interest in woodworking. He enjoyed working with his hands and used his talents to build something special for each of his grandchildren. He also shared those talents with his church, building the handrails for the breezeway ramp, the front podium, and the back entry to the sanctuary at Kane Baptist Church.
His faith and church family were important parts of Norman's life. A lifelong member of Kane Baptist Church, he and Marilyn raised their children in the congregation. Throughout the years, Norman faithfully served the church in various capacities, including as both a deacon and a trustee.
Surviving are his four children and their families: Patricia and Bryan Anderson of O'Fallon, Illinois; Dianne Vincent of Roodhouse, Illinois; Carolyn Daniels of Carrollton, Illinois; and William "Bill" and Susan Daniels of Alton, Illinois.
He is also survived by six grandchildren: Bryan Scott Anderson of O'Fallon, Illinois; Hannah Anderson of St. Louis, Missouri; Cailin and Steven Davis of Godfrey, Illinois; Meredith and Tatum Vincent of Gillespie, Illinois; Cullen Daniels of Chicago, Illinois; and Nicholas Vincent of Roodhouse, Illinois; along with five great-grandchildren: Kyrie and Nadia Anderson of O'Fallon, Illinois, and Owen, Isabel, and Elsie Davis of Alton, Illinois.
In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn J. Daniels; an infant sister, Marcella; a sister and brother-in-law, Iva Dean and Carl Richard "Dick" Berry; two brothers and a sister-in-law, John and Frances Daniels and William Daniels; and a son-in-law, Richard Vincent.
Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m., Sunday, October 25 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Funeral Services will take place at 10 a.m., Monday, October 26 at the Kane Baptist Church.
Burial will take place at Kane Cemetery in Kane, Illinois, in Greene County.
Memorials may be given to the Kane Baptist Church.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
