Richard Duane McDaniel

Richard Duane McDaniel

Born:  8/29/1939

Departed to Heaven:  8/23/2023

   Richard was born in Colorado, but the family moved to Merced, California, where he was raised. He was the oldest of five sons. Among other interesting aspects of his raising, he was a helper to his father in building the lodge in Yosemite National Park while living in a tent with his parents and four brothers during the years they worked on the lodge. 

   After graduation, Richard served in the Navy for four years, then was extended six more months due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a boiler repairman on the USS John W. Thomason.

   Richard lived a rich life and wore many hats: sailor, fireman, deputy sheriff with the Merced County Sheriff's department for over 20 years, brick mason, security guard, and maintenance tech for Beverly Nursing home after moving to Heber Springs, Arkansas.

   Richard tried his hands at many hobbies: water-skiing, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, go-karting, four-wheeling, motorcycles, painting, and quilting. At 82 years old, he became a "gamer", and played video games with his daughter and grandsons on-line. Elder Scrolls has lost a warrior. Richard and Theda also created numerous quilts which they donated to several charities-their favorite being a boy's ranch. He would agree his greatest joy later in life was reading and studying God's word, He and Theda spent hours studying and praying for their family members.

   Richard was preceded in death by the love of his life, Theda Joyce Smiley McDaniel, his father and mother, three brothers, and one grandchild. He has one surviving brother, Jerry McDaniel of California.

  Richard is also survived by three children, Staci, Micha, and Brian McDaniel, all currently living in Heber Springs, Arkansas, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

  Richard and Theda were members of Foothills Bible Church in Quitman, Arkansas.

  He asked that any memorials be sent to "The Other Side" ministry, 4744 Wilburn Rd, Wilburn AR, 72179.

  Please rejoice with us as we look forward to seeing our mom and dad again due to the blessed hope we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

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