Charles "Chuck" Daunis

Charles “Chuck” Daunis, a proud son of South Louisiana, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, and a man of deep Catholic faith, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.

Born on January 5, 1947, Chuck was the second of twelve siblings—a position he wore with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty to his family. He carried the grit and values of his Cajun heritage throughout his life and shared them generously with those around him.

Chuck held a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry and later earned a Master’s in Management. His academic pursuits reflected the same discipline and breadth of intellect that he would carry into a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Air Force.

Commissioned as an officer, Chuck served as a navigator in the C-130, logging over 500 combat hours in Vietnam. His valor and leadership earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. Over his career, he accumulated over 7,000 flight hours across multiple aircraft, including the C-130, C-141, and the E-3A AWACS. Whether flying combat missions in Vietnam and Korea, escorting heads of state through the Berlin Corridor, or training Saudi crews during the Iran-Iraq War, Chuck served with a calm resolve and unmatched professionalism.

His military decorations include eleven Air Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Readiness Medals, and letters of commendation from both the President of Egypt and the Royal Saudi Air Force, among others. Chuck never sought recognition, but those who served with him knew his worth.

Chuck’s service was only surpassed by his devotion to faith and family. A faithful Catholic and daily communicant, he was a proud parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He found strength, purpose, and peace in his spiritual life, and in his final days, he asked only that others pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for him.

Chuck was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles Ray Daunis and Eugenie Louise Daunis. He is survived by his devoted wife of 11 years, Rose; his 11 siblings, Eugenie Licalzi (Jack), Douglas Daunis (Marylyn), Paulette Morgan, Mary Daunis, Eugene Daunis (Cindy), Christine Guidry (Roland), Mark Daunis (Mary), Joan Hoffpauir (Mike), Judith Daunis (Charlie), Daniel Daunis (Miriam), Patricia Daunis; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews who adored him. His presence—steady, humble, and wise—will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He faced the trials of life, and ultimately death, with the same courage and grace that marked his service to his country. Chuck Daunis showed us how to live with honor, serve with heart, and trust in God’s providence until the end.

A visitation for Chuck will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S Littler Ave, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM.

A graveside service will follow the funeral mass at 2:00 pm at Fort Sill National Cemetery, located in Elgin, Oklahoma.