Joshua Chamberlain Oelmann Daas passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2026, at the age of 25, in Oceanside, California. Born on January 29, 2001, in Okinawa, Japan, Joshua’s journey through life encompassed friendship, dedication, enthusiasm, and pursuit of excellence.
Joshua proudly served his country as a Combat Engineer Officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned both the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Armed Forces Service Medal. His commitment to Marine values and mission accomplishment was coupled with his unwavering loyalty to his Marines, ably demonstrated as a Platoon Commander deployed to the U.S. border, as well as a 7-month deployment to Peleliu Island, Palau, Micronesia.
An alumnus of Virginia Tech’s School of Engineering, Joshua pursued a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, where he showcased his intellectual curiosity and determination, while simultaneously serving in the Corps of Cadets, where he garnered a NROTC scholarship. His academic pursuits were complemented by a host of passionate interests that included a love for music, tattoos, physical fitness, military history, and the great outdoors. From the tender age of four, Joshua matriculated as a loyal and supportive teammate, while finding joy and fulfilment playing baseball, a passion he carried through high school.
He is preceded in passing by his grandparents, R.F. Daas, Major USMC (retired) and Florence Jordan, Cordelia Daas and Jerry Fox, and Hoyt and Laura Jane Hayes.
Joshua was a beloved son, brother, and grandson. He is survived by his devoted parents, Joseph, LtCol USMC (retired) and Lara Daas, loving sisters Rachael and Emma Daas, and grandparents Harlan and Dorothy Oelmann. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his family dogs Harley and Hedy.
The family will announce the details of the internment services at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date. In this time of loss, we hold close the memories of his vibrant spirit and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Boulder Crest Foundation or Semper Fi America’s Fund.
Josh will forever be 25. May his memory live on in the hearts of those that knew and shaped him, and may he rest, in eternal peace, accompanied by his fave playlists, as continuous and soothing sonic music.
