John Edward Daily (Johnny), 95, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2022 at home near Bendena, Kansas. He was born in St. Louis, MO on February 28, 1927, to John Francis and Barbara Margaret (Schuchmann) Daily, the oldest of eight children. He graduated from Wentzville High School and married the love of his life, Alberta House, on September 19, 1969, at St. Patrick Church, Wentzville, MO. Johnny was a generous, loving person as a son, brother, husband, stepfather, grandfather, and uncle.
Johnny worked on his parents’ dairy farm, then operated Daily Building Co. for many years. He delighted in building new houses and renovating others. He taught many of his nephews, stepsons, and grandchildren the tricks of the trade. He was a faithful friend to many and was very generous with employees and relatives who needed help. Johnny was a parishioner at St. Patrick Church in Wentzville, MO for nearly 70 years. He did volunteer carpentry at church and was an usher for 50 years. Johnny was a World War II Veteran and belonged to the American Legion and VFW in Wentzville, MO. He belonged to the American Legion Bowling League; their team won many tournaments over the years. Johnny also enjoyed playing pinochle with friends. He loved to drive and took many long trips across the U.S. with Alberta.
Johnny was a loving, devoted grandpa to his many grandchildren. He told them cowboy stories, listened to baseball games with them on the radio, read them the funny papers, and made them laugh.
In 2008, Johnny and Alberta moved to a beautiful country home near Bendena, KS. He loved taking long walks in the woods and hills, raising vegetables in his garden, having company, and of course, reading many books and newspapers. Johnny loved all things in nature – flowers, weeds, trees. He was a man with a great and funny disposition and frequently said something witty to make you laugh. Johnny had a great voice and occasionally would burst into song. He spent countless hours sitting with Alberta on his front porch and spent time on the porch the day before he passed.
John was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Alberta (August 24, 2022), his parents, and siblings: Mary Ann Dolson, Thomas Daily, Raymond Daily, Robert Daily, Harry Daily and Lillian Pearce, and stepchildren Jess House and Ev Orf.
Johnny is survived by his only living sibling, Sister Rose Daily, SSND, stepchildren: Janie (David) Bennett, Ron (Marilyn) Birkenmeier, Char Cox, Grace (Jess) House, Mike (Ev) Orf, Deborah (Thom) Buttner, and Linda (Bob Miller) House, 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will be forever grateful to Johnny’s caregivers, Debbie and Carrie. They are selfless, patient, creative, and loving. Most importantly, they helped him know he was never alone.
Johnny had two wishes at age 95: to die at home and to go to Heaven as soon as possible; both wishes were granted.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
Funeral Mass for Johnny will be January 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Church in Wentzville, MO, followed by a parish luncheon. Private inurnment will be next to his beloved wife at Alderson Cemetery, Atchison County, KS.
