Richard Lloyd Daggett

June 14, 1940 - March 16, 2026

Longtime Downey resident Richard Daggett passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2026. Richard was an amazing man who led a rich life despite being disabled at an early age. He was an avid volunteer who impacted the lives of many.

Richard was born in Los Angeles at Queen of Angels hospital on June 14, 1940. He was the youngest child of Rodney and Norma Daggett. He had two brothers, Rodney, Jr. and Robert, and a sister, Ann. The family lived on 109th Street in South LA. As a young boy Richard enjoyed going on family camping trips in the tent trailer his father built. This began a lifelong love for the outdoors and the motoring around the western U.S. His favorite spots were Rock Creek in the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite.

In 1949 the family moved to north Downey where his father designed and built a house next to an orange grove on Wiley-Burke Avenue. The family joined the Downey Methodist Church in 1951 and became very active over the years. Richard participated in team sports and began taking saxophone lessons until July 1953, when he contracted polio at the age of thirteen.

He was immediately admitted to County General hospital where he underwent a tracheotomy and was placed in a tank respirator, commonly known as an iron lung. He was removed from the tank after eight months and with constant therapy his condition improved. With his spine fused and braces strapped to his legs he was able to regain walking and was discharged back home in 1955. He finished school with the aid of home teachers and gradated from Warren High School.

In 1963 his parents bought a shiny, new Airstream trailer, sold the house, and the three of them embarked on a year long adventure around the country. For Richard it was the trip of a lifetime. Upon their return they returned to Downey and bought a house on La Reina Avenue, where Richard lived until his death.

By 1984 Richard began to weaken and developed age-related complications connected to polio. A second tracheotomy was performed and within a year he was confined to an electric wheelchair for the rest of his life. His parents both died in 2003 and Richard began living along, although he had constant caregivers looking over him. Two years later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but that was beaten back by 9 weeks of intense radiation therapy.

Richard was extremely involved with various organizations his entire adult life. In addition to serving faithfully at Downey United Methodist Church, he volunteered for many years at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center and was on the Board of the Rancho Los Amigos Fund. He was elected president of the Polio Survivors Association in 1980 and served as president until his death. He was also involved with Downey Coordinating Council.

Richard leaves behind a brother-in-law, Joel Markss, a sister-in-law, Linda Daggett, as well as five nephews and a niece; Dave Markss, Steve Clemmens, Jim Daggett, Dave Daggett, Todd Daggett, and Lynne Kellar. In addition, he leaves behind a wonderful team of caregivers, including Nora Pla and Susan Yi who faithfully served him 34 years, and over 25 years, respectfully.

A Celebration of Richard’s life is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00am at Downey United Methodist Church, 10801 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241