Rufus "Buck" McDaniel

Rufus Lewis McDaniel "Buck", age 86, of Crown Point, passed away on February 21, 2011. He was born on September 21, 1924 in Union City, TN to the late Francis Branham McDaniel and Carrie Lee Rice McDaniel. He moved with his family from Tennessee to THE state of Indiana at the age of 16. Rufus was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater of Operations as a Quartermaster with the rank of Corporal during World War II. His military heritage dates back to his great great grandfather, Capt. William McDaniel who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Rufus was a member of the American Legion Post 430 of Merrillville. He had worked for the Standard Oil Company (Amoco) and retired with 38 years of service. He enjoyed many different hobbies, sports, and games throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Deep River Christian Church, Merrillville. Rufus is survived by his wife, Maymie (nee Gernenz) McDaniel; two sons: Gerald (Christine) McDaniel and Ronald McDaniel; granddaughter, Nichole McDaniel; and grandson, Jeffrey McDaniel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN with Rev. Ron Buche, officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 prior to the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Members of the American Legion will give military honors and serve as pallbearers. His family and friends will miss him dearly.