Edward McDaniels

Edward William McDaniels of Hudsonville, Michigan, died March 13, 2026, shortly before his 86th birthday.

Ed was born March 27, 1940, in Chelsea, Michigan, to Charles Edward and Nina (Brown) McDaniels. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1958 and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Central Michigan University. He served two years as a U.S Army officer stationed at Fort Ord, California. Upon returning to Michigan, he began his graduate work in biology and in 1965 accepted a teaching position at Grandville High School where he enjoyed teaching the next forty years. Ed spent many years coaching distance runners on Grandville’s team and with the support of fellow coaches, served as director of the Buck Creek Run at Grandville’s Fourth of July celebration.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward and Nina McDaniels. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Grace Ann (Schmunk) McDaniels; his children Sarah (David) Bainbridge of LaGrange, Indiana; Tom (Mathilde) McDaniels of Chelsea; and Charles McDaniels of Hudsonville; and his grandchildren Abigail Bainbridge, Jacob Bainbridge, Katerina Bainbridge, Matthew (Kacey) McDaniels, and Aaron McDaniels. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Schmunk, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ed was committed to the study of biology and enjoyed continuing his own education throughout his teaching career. As a man with little tolerance for sitting still, Ed believed that science was best learned firsthand. Whether he was wading a stream with his freshwater biology students or taking his grandchildren on a “bear hunt,” which never ended in a bear sighting. Ed encouraged observation and curiosity. Many students remember their leaf collections and their search for the elusive butternut tree.

Ed loved the natural wonders our country has to offer, whether he was hunting, skiing, golfing, camping, horseback riding, or traveling to national parks, but he especially enjoyed spending time with extended family on fishing trips to Canada and weekends at the cabin in Big Rapids.

Ed took great joy in the time he spent with his own children and also his nieces and nephews, passing on all the activities he loved. He was definitely the family’s free spirit. Although an only child, Ed also shared a lifelong bond with his brother-in-law, Charles Schmunk of Chelsea, who became the brother he never had. The two spent many years hunting, fishing, and sharing stories. Charles remained a steady presence for Ed.

After his stroke two years ago, Ed was able to return to the home he and his father-in-law had built fifty years ago with considerable help from family and many friends. The help of Faith Hospice and loving support of his family, friends and neighbors enabled Ed to regain most of his memory despite his inability to learn to walk again. Ed knew that his long life was a gift and that he was blessed.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Ed’s memory, he would have been pleased with your spending time enjoying the wonders of this earth and helping preserve it for future generations.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI. Visitation will be available at 10 a.m., and a luncheon will follow.