Dean F. Daniels, 77, of Oneonta, formerly of Walton, passed away early morning Friday, July 7, 2017 at home, following a long illness.

Dean, a graduate of Walton High School, was born on December 11, 1939 in Northfield, the son of the late Frank R and Dorothy (Kelsey) Daniels. On November 3, 1962 he married the former Barbara Owens at the First United Methodist Church, Walton. His life work was with the State of New York, ending his career as Superintendent of both the Walton and Oneonta armories. He was also in the National Guard for ten years, attaining the rank of Sargent. The entrepreneur side of Dean had him and Barbara owning and operating the Walton Montgomery Ward Catalog Store for many years. Later he was instrumental in getting JC Penney to start catalog operations, managing to have one of the new stores in Walton. He was the loneliest guy in town as the Maytag repairman when he and his family ran Daniels' Appliance Sales and Service along with JC Penney, where to Dean, delivery and service was the most important part of the business. It was the training ground for his sons to learn the value of one's word and how to work with people. He was a member and past Master of Walton F&AM Lodge #559, owner and member of the East Brook Sportsmen's Club, past President and member of the Royale Oasis, and "Father" of the Marvin Ave Gang. Dean and Barbara were also the originators and sponsors of the Delaware County Fair's "Cutest Baby Contest" which many years later is still a popular part of the Fair.

First and foremost Dean was a family man. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an Awesome husband, father, grandfather and friend. When he wasn't working, Dean enjoyed hunting, car shows, NASCAR and in his later years wood carving canes and other things for his family and friends. Although these last 10 years were difficult because of his illness, he was a fighter who never complained right to the very end.

Dean is survived by his loving family, his wife, Barbara, three sons: Dean F. Jr. & Camie Daniels of Harleysville, PA, David M. Daniels of East Berne, NY and Daryl R. & Kristen Daniels of New Milford, CT, his grandchildren, Nathan William, Kohler Steven, Claire Mariana and Benjamin Steel, sister, Linda and Joe Johnson, Walton; brothers and sisters in law, Dorothy Daniels, Walton; Ed and Faith Owens, Farquay Varena, NC, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Lyle T. Daniels.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, where services will be held Thursday at noon with the Rev. Bert More officiating. Burial will follow in the Walton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dean's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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