Memorial Service Planned for Chelsea Lumber Owner Bob Daniels

Robert Lee Daniels

Robert L. Daniels, 83, died unexpectedly Sept. 1, 2012 due to natural causes.

He was born March 10, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Warren R. & Gertrude E. (Storms) Daniels.

Bob was a 1947 graduate of Chelsea High School. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Business from University of Michigan in 1951 and served as business manager for the Michigan Daily for two years. In 1952, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy for three years during the Korean War, serving on the destroyer James C. Owens for 26 months in the Bay of Inchon. Upon his return, he began working at Chelsea Lumber in April, 1955, and worked there full time until his death.

Bob was mayor of Chelsea in 1961 at the age of 31. He served on the Chelsea School Board for five years where he was president for two years. Bob was treasurer for the Detroit-based Spaulding For Children for 35 years and helped acquire the Warren and Bertha Spaulding Farm in Chelsea as the organization’s first headquarters.

He was president of Chelsea Lumber Company from 1970 to the present, an active member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, instrumental in fundraising for the Chelsea District Library, and was a founding member of the Chelsea Community Foundation. Bob was a visionary who saw how to get things done. He helped to keep downtown Chelsea vibrant, working countless hours with organizations and individuals who sought out his advice and counsel.

On Dec. 21, 1950, he married Marjorie J. Ferguson in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Jeffry (Kathleen) Daniels of Chelsea, Jodi Kay Daniels of Mt. Pleasant, SC, John (Jami) Daniels of Chelsea; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Daniels.

A public memorial service will be held Oct. 7, 2 p.m. at Chelsea High School auditorium.

A private burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church or the Chelsea Area Historical Society. Arrangements were handled by Cole Funeral Chapel.