Obituary of Stephen A. Daniels

Reverend Stephen A. Daniels, 67, of Liberty, Maine, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 22, 2020, after a 2-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife Jane, and his daughter, Tracey, in his home office where he chose to spend his last days. Surrounded by his family, his cherished books, and many photos and mementos from years in Christian ministry, gave him great solace. Steve was born in Portland, Maine on March 4, 1953 to Richard and Geneva Daniels. He often spoke of Munjoy Hill, a neighborhood near and dear to his heart. His father was active in the Navy and Merchant Marines serving in the Naval Combat Demolition Unit in World War 2, which included the storming of Omaha Beach on D-Day. While serving his country, he also completed several tours in Japan and Vietnam. Steve’s mother was the daughter of Italian immigrants and one of 26 children. She worked in the Portland Public School District and raised her children by herself after the death of her husband. Steve attended local schools and finished his secondary education at Deering High School in 1971. In 1978, Steve came to know the Lord and dedicated his life to His service. Those who knew him were amazed with the change in this scrappy kid from “the hill”. The life change that came with conversion astonished his former classmates. Some thought it was a phase he would soon get over. He never did. Steve enrolled in New England Baptist Bible College where he graduated from and was ordained in 1982. He received his Master’s Degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in 1998. Always happy to meet a need, Steve pastored several churches in southern Maine before settling in the town of Liberty. Steve had always dreamed of leading a “little white country church” and Liberty Baptist Church seemed like just the right fit; he served there for 15 years. Steve performed countless weddings and funerals, celebrating and grieving with so many who sought him out for his good nature, never-fail sense of humor, and his unending compassion and love. Pastor Steve was on a first name basis with shop owners and waitresses and he served as the Chaplain for the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department. Steve showed his love for his community by helping those in need or in trouble. He was quick to demonstrate love and mercy as he literally lived out the motto: “What would Jesus do?” Pastor Steve loved to teach and preach, and continued to passionately challenge the flock up until two weeks before his death. Though his abilities to walk and speak were hindered, he trusted God for Divine strength to minister. Stephen’s favorite pastime included reading books from his extensive library, researching (and discussing!) historic events and going in search of old cemeteries and gravestones. Steve was a proud Father and Grandfather. His daughter and her children, Rachel and Isaac, were everything to him. Steve was predeceased by his father and mother, Richard and Geneva Daniels, and his brother, John Daniels. He is survived by his wife, Jane Watts Daniels formerly of Rockland, Maine, Daughter Tracey Daniels-Kenney and her husband Shawn along with his Grandchildren Rachel and Isaac, all of Norway, Maine. He is also survived by his siblings Donna Sloan and her husband Charles of Buxton, Richard Daniels and wife Sue of Hollis, Valerie Legere and husband Donald of Buxton, and Patrick Daniels and wife Cindy of Buxton along with several nieces and nephews. A private service for immediate family will be held on August 15th, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Liberty Baptist Church followed at 1:00 PM by a graveside service open to the public at nearby Hunt’s Hill Cemetery. Pastor Phil Andrukaitis will be officiating the Celebration of Steve’s life. The family will be preparing for a larger celebration of Steve’s life and ministry when State regulations allow. In lieu of flowers, friends may send a donation to the Liberty Baptist Church Food Pantry, PO Box 115, Liberty, Maine 04949. The Daniels family wishes to express a profound thank you to the Harold Alfond Cancer Center in Augusta as well as Beacon Hospice for their care and compassion on Steve’s behalf.