Eddie K. Daniels

Eddie K. Daniels, age 85, formerly of Purcell, OK, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at his home in Concordia, KS surrounded by his family.

Eddie was born on September 1, 1939, in Wynnewood, OK to Franklin C. & Geraldine J. (Rountree) Daniels. He married Judith Ann Stephenson on Nov. 27, 1959, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She survives the home.

He graduated from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City in 1957. After high school, and after a stint in the Army, Eddie followed in his dad's footsteps and became an Oklahoma City police officer. After several years as a police officer, and with the encouragement of his wife, Eddie turned his sights on college.

Eddie then attended Kansas State University where he obtained his degree in zoology and then was accepted into and graduated from the KSU Veterinary School with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. Eddie was the first in his family to attend or graduate from college. He served in the United States Military at Fort Chafee, Arkansas and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Eddie was a police officer in Oklahoma City, a large animal veterinarian, and a research scientist. Eddie's first job out of veterinary school was with the Warner Brothers Wild Animal Park in New Jersey, He was the resident veterinarian for the large wild animal drive through park where his patients were lions, tigers, bears, elephants, rhinos, and every other wild animal. Years after his service at the wild animal park, Eddie continued to serve as a consulting veterinarian for several other zoos and wild animal parks throughout the United States. One of only a handful of exotic animal veterinarians in the country, Eddie was sought out for help and advice in treating wild animals.

Eddie traded in the wild animal practice for horses, cattle and occasionally some dogs and cats when he decided it was time to return to his roots and went to work with a busy large animal veterinary clinic in Purcell, Oklahoma. Eddie then went on to open the Dripping Springs Veterinary Clinic in Dripping Springs, Texas where he continued to practice veterinary medicine for many years.

After practicing Veterinary Medicine, Eddie returned to K-State where he taught and while teaching, obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology. He used this to do research for K-State as well as work with the Federal Government. Eddie was the owner of several patents based on tests and treatments he developed for infectious diseases.

In retirement, Eddie and Ann moved back to Purcell, Oklahoma, eventually moving to Concordia to be closer to family. Eddie enjoyed yard work, fishing, and spending time with his five granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife, Judith, Concordia, KS; sons, Forrest Daniels (Lisa), Concordia, KS & Shawn Daniels (Dana), Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren, Robin Daniels, Concordia, KS, Emily Daniels, Austin, TX, Shelby Vonnahme (Ethan), Fayetteville, AR, Bailey Daniels, Fayetteville, AR & Laney Daniels, Norman, OK & great grandchildren, Miller & Mason Vonnahme, Fayetteville, AR.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents.

It was Eddie's wishes to be cremated, and the family will have a private family burial at the Norway Community Cemetery, Norway, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to Meadowlark Hospice in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W. 6th St., PO Box 606, Concordia, Kansas, 66901 is handling arrangements.