Arthur Henry Daniels

Arthur Henry Daniels, 90 of Derby, Kansas, passed away at home following a long illness on July 24, 2022. He was born in East Lyme, Connecticut on November 23, 1931. His parents are unknown. He married the love of his life, and wife of 62 years, Nina Faye Gibbens on July 2, 1955. 

Arthur grew up in Rhinebeck, New York as one of 8 foster children in the family of Anthony Cires. His first job was at United Cigar Shop. After high school he joined the Air Force and served from the years 1949-1953. After his service he earned his bachelor’s degree, following with his Juris Doctor in Law at The University of Texas at Austin in 1960. After the birth of his first-born son, Duane, who was born with severe health complications, Arthur chose to accept a position with the IRS rather than practice law independently.  Duane endured 34 years of illness, including four kidney transplants and continuous surgeries, Arthur moved his family to the best hospitals throughout the country for Duane’s care, living the longest in St. Charles, Illinois where he was an active member of the St. Charles Episcopal Church, serving in multiple roles. Arthur was a Chief Investigator for IRS for 21 years.  Upon retirement, he was an Independent Tax Consultant, eventually hired by Complete Equity Markets. Arthur was a fiercely dedicated husband and father, and known for his sense of humor and contagious laugh, hard work ethic, and loving, generous spirit. He experienced life passionately and shared the gift of joy. His family was his greatest source of pride. He enjoyed symphonies and flying was a passion. He tried tirelessly to be a commercial pilot (applying to multiple airlines multiple times) but vision problems prevented him from following this dream. He took flying lessons independently as a young teenager and was reportedly the youngest pilot in the United States for a brief time. He loved flying as much as possible until he was unable to fly anymore. This passion was passed along to his grandson, Holden Duane Simmonds, who now flies for the United States Air Force. In his final years Arthur was able to enjoy the sounds of Holden’s jet flying over the house during training. 

Arthur is predeceased by his wife, Nina, and his son, Duane. He is survived by two daughters: Dr. Laura Lamper and her husband Jacob (Art’s loving personal care nurse for more than five years), of Derby, Kansas, and Laura’s children, Arthur’s grandchildren: Captain Holden Simmonds and his wife Barbra, and their children, Arthur’s Great Grandchildren: Arthur Simmonds and Dawson Simmonds, and Lieutenant Cassidy Simmonds; and Arthur’s daughter Jennifer Daniels of Derby, Kansas, and Jennifer’s daughter, Art’s granddaughter: Starlan Bryant. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.