Eugene Daniels, 84, of Champaign, died at 3:40 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2012 at C-U Regional Rehab Center, Savoy.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign 302 W. Church St. Champaign. Pastor Rick Snyder and Pastor Chuck Carlson will officiate.

Eugene Everett Daniels was born March 30, 1927 in Champaign, Illinois the son of Fred and Lillie Daniels.

He married Edith Peterson on June 16, 1951. She survives. Also surviving: is a daughter, Barbara (Michael) Cook; a son, Jeffrey Daniels; two grandsons from Wales, Joe and Zachary; a sister, Julia Norwood; a niece, Nancy (Denny) Mulvany; and a cousin, Clarence (Barbara) Berbaum.

Gene graduated from the University of Illinois in 1953 with a B.S. in agriculture. He worked in agriculture sales and banking in Indiana until he returned to Champaign where he worked as a District Manager in Circulation for both the News-Gazette and the Courier.

Gene was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign and was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Kentland, Indiana. He was also a member of United Commercial Travelers, RSVP, U of I Alumni Association, U of I Senior Alums, the former Antiques Study Group, Lifelong Learners, Champaign Park District (Hay's Senior Center), Urbana Senior Citizens, and Rebounders.

He enjoyed all sports, but especially U of I basketball and Cardinal baseball games. He had been a Cardinals fan since the age of 12. He also enjoyed golf and played in the Champaign Park District Senior Golf League after he retired. He loved going to theater events, especially musicals and was very interested in all the Elderhostels he was able to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society or the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

It was God who gave him life and it was God who called him to his eternal home.