On May 29, 2020, in Carmi, Illinois, 71-year-old Phyllis K. Daniel was found deceased in a vehicle parked in the driveway of her residence at 1604 Hillcrest Avenue. Inside the home, authorities discovered the body of 72-year-old Charles W. Daniel. Both individuals had sustained gunshot wounds.
The Carmi Police Department responded to the scene after a family member, concerned by the couple's unresponsiveness to phone calls, visited the home and reported the situation. Upon evaluating the evidence, investigators concluded that Charles W. Daniel fatally shot Phyllis K. Daniel while she was in the vehicle before re-entering the house and taking his own life. Authorities emphasized that this appeared to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
Phyllis K. Daniel, a 71-year-old white female, was born on August 8, 1948, in Maryville, Tennessee, to Vernon and Eliza Ruth Rasor. She graduated from Everett High School in 1966 and earned an associate degree from Johnson Bible College. Phyllis also attended the Tennessee School of Beauty, where she became an instructor. Over the years, she worked as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper for various businesses, most recently with W & W Truck and Trailer in Carmi.
Charles W. Daniel, a 72-year-old white male, was born on February 6, 1948, in Carmi, Illinois, to Harry and Ruby Daniel. He graduated from high school and obtained a bachelor's degree from Johnson Bible College. Charles served as a minister in various churches, most recently at Dale Christian Church, and also worked as a chaplain at Wabash Christian Village. He owned and operated Daniel's Home Repair, specializing in carpentry work and repairs.
The couple married on August 23, 1969, and were known for their devotion to each other and their family. They shared their faith and served together in the churches where Charles ministered, contributing through carpentry work and catering. They are survived by their daughter, Rachel Daniel Scott of Carmi; their son, Philip A. Daniel of Centralia; and a grandson, Ian Daniel of Dale, Indiana.
Following the incident, the Carmi Police Department, assisted by the White County Sheriff's Department, White County Ambulance Service, White County Coroner, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, conducted a thorough investigation. Authorities requested that the public keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A drive-through visitation was held on June 3, 2020, at Burrell's Woods in Carmi. Private family burial took place in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the Murray Parents Association in Centralia, Illinois, where Phyllis and Charles's son is a resident, to support and assist Philip and other residents.
