Elbert Leo "Mac" McDaniel, Jr.

Elbert Leo "Mac" McDaniel, Jr., age 91, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Monday, July 4, 2022. Mac was born May 10, 1931 in Indianapolis to the late Elbert Leo McDaniel and Georgia (Goins) McDaniel.

Mac was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and earned his degree in marketing from Indiana University. While at IU, Mac was very involved as a cheerleader and with their ROTC program where he earned Outstanding Cadet his freshman year. He was a member of Delta Chi fraternity and following graduation, he entered the Army/National Guard and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mac also owned and operated McDaniel and Company, Inc before his retirement in 1999.

Mac was a natural athlete and loved being competitive. He was an accomplished golfer, beginning at a young age, and playing for his high school, college and Army squads. It was a sport that he loved and passed on to his kids. He had recorded four holes-in-one and continued playing golf well into his retirement. He was also a former Boy Scout, member of American Legion and the Antelope Club. Mac loved racing and hadn't missed an Indianapolis 500 since 1945. Mac was also a runner and ran many mini marathons with his sons and running buddies. His love for his alma mater was instilled into his children and grandchildren who all also attended IU. He was the eternal optimist of that football team and his season tickets are still being used to this day.

Mac enjoyed having fun and making lasting memories with family and friends. Not many could tell a joke better than Mac. He loved traveling, which included many station wagon road trips to Marco Island, as well as trips many years later to Mexico, New York, the Philippines, and Sedona. He was “Coach” for his son’s football teams at St Luke and his love of coaching, family, friends, country, IU, golf and fun will always be how he will be remembered.

Survivors include his four children, Maryann McDaniel Sherbert (Steven), Lee Ann McDaniel Yaggi, Elbert L. “Mick” McDaniel (Jennifer), and Steven George McDaniel; two grandchildren, Michael and Madison McDaniel; sister, Roberta (Stephen) Klenke and his niece and nephews.

Mac was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Ries McDaniel and second wife, Joyce McDaniel.

A memorial visitation for Mac will be held Friday, July 15, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Leppert Mortuaries – Nora, 740 East 86th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, followed by a time of remembrance at 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarynora.com for the McDaniel family. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Mac's name.