ONTARIO — David and Kathy A. Daniels have made giving back to their community a family tradition.

“When we first got married, we knew that was gonna be a part of our lives,” Kathy said. “With our two sons, there were very few weeks that went by while raising them that we didn’t drag them into some volunteering project that we were involved in.”

For the Danielses, community service is more than just important. Kathy said it comes naturally.

The Danielses were honored for their community spirit on Friday during the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging’s Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging hosted the event to honor individuals and one organization who have made exceptional contributions to their community.

“We think it is really important for people to give back to their community and organizations,” Dave added. “It’s our pleasure to give back.”

Their kids were not in attendance. They were busy carrying on the family legacy.

Their oldest son and his wife were at a fundraising golf outing. Their other daughter-in-law was at the Friendly House for an event.

“So, you can tell that it just rolls as part of the fabric of our family,” Kathy said.

Recognition for years of service

“Kathy and David Daniels are more than volunteers, they are community leaders, mentors and advocates,” said Duana Patton, CEO of the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.

Patton spoke on the passion Dave and Kathy share for civic involvement, education and economic development. She said the couple has dedicated their lives to making Knox County a place where people of all ages can thrive.

“Through every role, (Kathy) has uplifted others and brought integrity and strength to each initiative,” Patton said. “Her commitment to economic development and education is evident through her support of local charities and foundations.”

“Together, Dave and Kathy exemplify the spirit of service and advocacy,” Patton said. “They have shaped their community through decades of tireless work.”

Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel also honored Kathy and David.

“In Knox County, we are so thankful to have the Danielses and the family there,” Pursel said. “They are the type of people America celebrates. The type of people who have a strong backbone and the goals and purpose for a driven life.”

Leading by example

Kathy Daniels has demonstrated leadership and vision throughout her life. She has served as board president for the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.

Kathy said that the staff at the Area Agency on Aging feel like family to her and David.

She has held key roles with other service organizations, as chairperson of Catalyst Life Services Board of Directors, Secretary of the Richland County Development Group and Vice Chair of Knox County Foundation.

Kathy received the prestigious Athena Award, earned induction into the Area Agency on Aging Hall of Fame and collected numerous professional accolades.

David has served on the Mid-Ohio Transit Authority Board and the Area Agency on Aging Foundation Board, showing dedication to accessible resources and mobility for all.

He also devotes his time to youth programs, including the Knox County 4-H Club, the OSU Alumni Club of Knox County and many others.

Honorees of the 2025 Awards

Other winners included Wes and Julia Lambert on Ashland County, James Gerstenslager on Crawford County, Mary Ann Hipp on Huron County, Stephen Renick on Marion County, Michael Porter on Morrow County (posthumously), Merris Welge on Richland County, Tom Joseph on Seneca County and Mike Wheeler on Wyandot County.

The Richland Academy of the Arts was the recipient of the Community Service Award.

by Hannah Martin August 19, 2025