Eugene F. McDaniel

October 29, 1930 - June 13, 2019

Eugene Francis McDaniel born to first time parents Blanche (Hixson) and Braniard McDaniel on October 29, 1930 in Mankato, KS has gone to join his parents and younger sister Mary in Paradise where God promises no more aging, sickness, tears or sad goodbyes. The Sonshines every day on his mansion and makes the streets of gold sparkle. In 1948, Gene married Lucille DeVore and together they raised her two daughters, Lynn and Sherry. Lucille passed away in 1998 near their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Gene was a Psychology graduate of William Penn but loved driving a Semi and did until God called him to be a full time pastor. He served and honored God from the pulpit for 22 years in Iowa in the Free Methodist denomination. Following retirement He and Lucille moved to Arkansas and got to fish whenever they wanted. Gene loved dogs, especially beagles and had many over the years but when his last fur baby Mollie passed away in late 2016, it broke his heart and he never quite recovered. Gene wore the McDaniel name his entire life but was especially proud of his Cherokee ancestry and the fact that his Great Grandparents survived the Trail of Tears. In 2013 Gene returned to Iowa with failing health and wanted to be near best friends Charlie and Bertie McMillian, who cared him. Following a stroke on Monday June 10th he passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2019 at the Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Gene's body has been cremated and a Memorial Service will be planned at a later date.