Jimmie McDaniel
I learned yesterday that my paternal grandfather’s first cousin, Jimmie McDaniel, passed away on Monday March 29th. Jimmie was a veteran of World War II. Serving as a paratrooper, he was present at Bastogne and other notable battles on the European continent. After the war he settled in San Angelo, Texas were he enjoyed a career as a fireman. A copy of his obituary is provided below.
SAN ANGELO Jimmie McDaniel, 84 years old, of San Angelo, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 29, 2010. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in Johnson’s Funeral Home chapel. The Rev. Charles Greenwell will be officiating. Inurnment will be in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, at a later time. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home. Jimmie is survived by his only daughter, Marcel Beck of Troy, Mich.; grandchildren Aaron Beck and his wife, Carrie of San Angelo and Tana Beck of West Hollywood, Calif. Great-grandchildren are Emily and Mason Beck. His surviving brothers are Charles McDaniel of San Angelo and Bobby McDaniel of Bay, Ark. His one sister-in-law is Billie (Mrs. Charles) McDaniel. Nephews are Rusty McDaniel, Ricky Gray, Gaylon, Jim and Michael McDaniel. Nieces are Debbie and Penny. Most importantly, Jimmie is survived by his loving wife, Karen, who faithfully and steadfastly cared for him and unselfishly sat by his side through good and bad times. They were true helpmates for each other throughout their 14-year marriage. Karen’s children (and Jimmie’s stepchildren) are Melissa, Glenna and Philip. Grandchildren of his wife Karen are Reed, Holden and Camille. Jimmie proudly served his country in the elite 101st Airborne Unit, (The Screaming Eagles) of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment as a paratrooper in World War II. This is where he prestigiously earned his Purple Heart. He later became the fire chief in Okinawa, Japan, where he and his wife, Marie McDaniel, resided for three years. In most recent years, Jimmie was president of the local National Association of Retired Federal Employees and vice-president of the national chapter. He was active in many community organizations, one favorite being the Area Agency on Aging. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and even taught line dancing at San Angelo’s Senior Community Center. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Minnie Jane Chambers McDaniel; his twin sister, Genevieve Gray; and two brothers, Thomas McDaniel and Lonnie McDaniel. Honorary pallbearers for the service will be his grandson, Aaron Beck, and great-grandson Mason Beck; his brother, Charles McDaniel; and his nephew, Rusty McDaniel. In place of flowers, Jimmie’s wish is for contributions to be made to the Lighthouse for the Blind. His loved ones are proud of his service to our country and are proud to be an important part of his life.
