Daniel Adieu Alastair Ishmel

Daniel Adieu Alastair Ishmel arrived on the scene in Lansing, Michigan, on November 14, 1980, brought into the world by James Robert Ishmel Sr. and Maggie Lee Ishmel. While his exact birth weight remains a mystery, we do know that by the tender age of two months, he tipped the scales at a whopping 17 pounds – a fact his daughter Camile insists is roughly equivalent to ten elephants. He definitely was a force to be reckoned with from the very beginning. As the fourth son of the Ishmel family, he clearly came ready to make an impact.

Daniel grew up attending Lansing Public Schools before transferring to Piney Woods School. There, he discovered a love for singing and joined the school’s male quartet. Daniel wasn’t just talented—he was determined, charming, and full of humor. That charm came in handy when he met Courteney. Their paths crossed at Kingdom Life Ministries International, and despite not initially fitting Courteney's pre-conceived "type," Daniel deployed his secret weapons: charm and humor. After a whirlwind ten-month courtship, they sealed the deal on September 19, 2015. Daniel didn't just gain a wife that day; he also gained a daughter, Cheyenne, and an extended family that showed him the true definition of unconditional love and support.

The Ishmel family expanded with the arrival of Camile one year later, followed by Daniel II two years after that. Daniel was a devoted husband and father who took his responsibilities seriously—though he always made room for laughter. When Christ commanded husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, Daniel apparently took that as a personal challenge, setting the bar exceptionally high for husbands everywhere.

A man with a calling as a minstrel and worshipper of God, Daniel spent his days spreading joy through music and laughter, proving that faith and fun could indeed go hand in hand. When he wasn’t focused on music, Daniel had a wide range of hobbies. He loved comedy, video games, and cooking, especially grilling and perfecting his barbecue sauce. His creations were legendary, though one particular pork chop, lovingly prepared by his wife, achieved a different kind of legendary status – the one that cost him a tooth. And now, the story of the tooth. It was a dark and stormy night… just kidding. It was probably a Tuesday. Daniel, enjoying a pork chop prepared by his beloved wife, discovered a hidden hazard, a bone. The result? One less tooth. This incident became a running joke between them.

Daniel was known for his quick wit, his caring heart, and his unselfish nature. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, then make you laugh about how ridiculous you looked wearing it. He had a knack for making people feel loved and appreciated, even while teasing them mercilessly.

Daniel often playfully accused his wife of having a selective memory. He’d often joke that while she might struggle to recall what she had for her last meal, she possessed an uncanny ability to remember every single one of his minor transgressions. So, was it a mere coincidence that he chose to make his grand exit on her birthday? A day she’ll certainly never forget! We’ll let you be the judge. Perhaps it was his final, perfectly timed comedic act.

Daniel leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Courteney (who he affectionately called Suge); one son, Daniel II; two daughters, Cheyenne and Camile; his mother, Maggie Lee Ishmel. his father, James Robert (Rose) Ishmel Sr; two sisters, LaVelle Watts and TaMisha (JC) Belk; three brothers: James Jr, Darnell, and Kevin (Korinne); an aunt he viewed as his second mother, Betsy; his mother-in-love, Kellie Finnie; three brothers in-law, Darrayl, Corey and Christian; one goddaughter, Skylar; special friends he considered as brothers and sisters: Kesha, Sean (Kala), Tierre (Jennifer),and Vince (Melissa); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Though we mourn his loss, we can’t help but smile, imagining him planning this final, unforgettable performance. Daniel leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and memories that will bring smiles for years to come. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone blessed to know him.