William Devaprasad Daniel

William Devaprasad Daniel, age 96, of Eau Claire, Michigan, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on April 20, 2026. Born on May 16, 1929, in Madras, India, William lived a life of extraordinary faith, deep family devotion, and a joy-filled spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

At the center of William's life was his love for God, a faith that was not merely a belief, but the foundation of everything he did. He prayed frequently for his family, and in his later years, his parting words were nearly always, "God Bless You," a simple expression that said everything about the man he was.

Known warmly as Willy, he had an extraordinary gift for humor. He did not let a single gathering pass without a joke, and those who loved him understood that laughter was his way of meeting hardships, refusing to let life's difficulties steal his joy. Faith and laughter walked hand in hand for Willy, and both were gifts he gave away freely.

Music was woven into his soul. Willy had a deep love for the Tabla, the traditional Indian drums, and was most at home playing behind them, keeping rhythm while his siblings' voices filled the room. It was a fitting picture of who he was: the steady, joyful foundation that made everyone else shine.

On October 20, 1965, he married his beautiful Rajammal Chinakunnu in Kanyakumari, India. Together, they built a life of faith and enduring love. In Poona, India, William worked in Voice of Prophecy and later served as a block maker editor at Oriental Watchman Publishing House. In 1984, the family immigrated to the United States, where William served as general storeroom manager at Lakeland Hospital with the same integrity he brought to everything in life.

William treasured family above all earthly things. He cherished every gathering, delighted in visiting his brother's family in Chicago for Indian food, and in his later years found gentle companionship in his puppy Cody and Alison's cat Percy. Though he outlived all his brothers and sister, Moses, Victor, Ruby, George, Stephen, and Jacob, he carried each loss with faith rather than grief, fully confident that God would one day reunite them all in heaven.

William is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Rajammal Daniel; his son, Gladson Daniel, and daughter-in-law Julie; his daughter, Dr. Evelyne Burtis, and son-in-law Monte; and his five adored grandchildren, Megan, Alison, Ethan, Braxton, and Colton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace Thillaimany Daniel and Chandragason Daniel, and his six siblings.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spirit Horse Freedom Ranch in Tunnel Hill, Georgia Giving | spirithorse, or to Adventist Child India.

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William Devaprasad Daniel will be remembered as a husband, pappa, thatha, and friend, a man who loved God deeply, laughed freely, and left every room a little brighter than he found it. His memory is a blessing. His legacy is love.