Jiles Paneze Daniels former vice president of student affairs at Prairie View A&M University, was laid to rest Sept. 9.Daniels, 74, was born in Longview, Texas, the oldest of six children. To many close friends and family he was known as “Paneze.” Daniels attended high school at Fredonia High School where he was active in basketball, football, and sang in the choir. He graduated as valedictorian in 1950.
Daniels graduated from Prairie View A&M College, where he met his wife Evelyn Barnes. They were married 52 years.
Daniels received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1954, and a master’s degree in counseling and guidance in 1972.
Daniels spent 21 years in the military, beginning as a 2nd Lieutenant and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also served as professor Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC). He dedicated himself to this opportunity as professor because of the impact it had on transforming students of color into officers who served their country. He retired from the Army in 1975.
One year after entering the field of education as a Junior ROTC instructor at Jesse Jones High School in Houston, Texas, he moved to Texas Southern University as director of procurement and material services. In 1981 Daniels returned to his alma mater as assistant dean/ research director and interim director in the College of Agriculture. In 1989 he was appointed the vice president for student affairs at the university. He retired from the university in 1994.
During his retirement he volunteered in the community, including leadership of the city of Prairie View as the elected mayor. In 2002, he came out of retirement to become manager of the Prairie View Federal Credit Union. In June 2006, he retired for the last time as his illness prevented him from working.
Daniels received countless awards and recognitions. He was honored by the PVAMU College of Agriculture as a distinguished alumnus and earned other countless distinguished service and merit awards.
Daniels held membership in professional, social and civic organizations such as the Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., PVAMU Athletic Club, and the PV Chamber of Commerce.
Daniels is survived by his wife Evelyn, their three children, Don, Jiles Jr., and Karen, his brothers Orell Jr. and Earl, his sister Bobbie, and a host of other relatives.