Gerald "Jerry" Allan McDaniel

Gerald “Jerry” A. McDaniel of Blacklick, Ohio passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord on January 8, 2024 at the age of 83. Being a practical man with little patience for ceremony, Jerry had requested no obituary to be written, but we feel he has done enough good in his life to deserve one.

Jerry was born in Columbus and graduated from Mifflin High School in 1958. Following high school, he eagerly enlisted in the US Air Force where he served as Aircrew. During this time, his love of airplanes and flight was established. Over the course of his military career, he flew in F-101B Voodoos and C-119 Flying Boxcars, and even had the opportunity to work with NORAD to keep citizens of New York updated on Santa’s yearly journey. Following his service, Jerry came home to Columbus and continued his calling to serve the community with the Jefferson Township Fire Department and as a banker with BancOhio, National City Bank, and Huntington Bank. He met his wife, Diane, and married in 1978. He also served as Honor Guard for American Legion Post 797 and followed his love of aircraft by volunteering with the Historical Aircraft Squadron and as an Ambassador at John Glenn International Airport, spending many days at air shows across the state.

Jerry was known by friends and family as the “friendliest grumpy old man” (or perhaps the “grumpiest friendly old man?”). He loved to explore and had no qualms about driving to Canada for dinner if it meant seeing something interesting. One of his favorite destinations was the Old West and he drove many road trips to Wyoming and the western US. Family outings were often detoured when Jerry met strangers who soon became new friends. Jerry also loved spending time working on his model trains and planes and playing with his dogs.

Jerry was preceded by his parents, John W. McDaniel and Mary (Wengert) McDaniel, and his sister Patricia (McDaniel) Moore. He is survived by his sister Deanna Glonek, wife, Diane (Kapalo), his son John (Beth) McDaniel and his grandchildren, David and Rosemary.

Not one to appreciate elegant ceremonies or “funeral parties”, visitation will be held at Havens Corners Church (6696 Havens Corners Rd, Blacklick, OH 43004) from 10:00 – 11:00 on January 16th followed by a service at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Havens Corners Church’s roof replacement fund.