LaMar "Bud" McDaniel

Born on June 24, 1936 in Oklahoma City, OK, Bud was the loving son of LaMar and Opal (Shipley) McDaniel.

Bud spent most of his younger life in Ft. Smith, where he attended and graduated from Northside High School. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, honorably serving his country for over 20 years as a Radio Operator and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant (E7) before he retired in 1975. Shortly after his retirement, Bud moved his family to Neosho, MO, where he attended the Water and Waste Water Technical School. Bud also worked for the United States Postal Service, and he dabbled in Real Estate. After the death of his middle child, Peggy (McDaniel) Hively in 1983, Bud and Jean moved to Clinton, MO, and then finally to Muldrow, OK, where he served as the Water and Waste Water Supervisor for the city of Ft. Smith for many years before his final retirement.

Bud and his wife Jean (Brown) McDaniel attended and served the Muldrow Baptist in Muldrow, OK for over 30 years. Bud served as a Deacon and Jean worked as the church secretary for several years during that time. Bud had several interests in life; he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years, and he loved working with wood, shaping, restoring and refinishing antique furniture. Above all, he was a master craftsman. The man could turn a toothpick into a work of art. He also loved a good conversation, to hear and tell a good story and a good, clean joke. He was a true friend: educated, dedicated, and loyal to all who knew him; and if you could call enjoying a good meal a hobby, he was a master at that as well. He enjoyed a good, home cooked meal; he loved going to restaurants; and he especially enjoyed the variety of dishes that his brothers and sisters would prepare and bring for their potluck dinners at the Church. He also looked forward to Wednesday mornings with his friends and brothers at their weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and to having his morning cup of coffee and a cookie or three with his son-in-law, Bob Robinson. All of this made him smile, but the joy of his life was going out and visiting with anyone who would listen and give him the opportunity to present the Gospel. He absolutely loved it. He saw it as an obligation and an honor to bring the hope of Eternal Life to as many people as he could. Serving Jesus gave him purpose and brought him joy beyond measure. There has never been anyone who worked more diligently to share the truth and to help bring people to Christ. It didn’t matter their position or situation in life, Bud was a true gatherer for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was on a mission, and he is now dancing, singing and celebrating the fruits of his labor with all those who have gone on before him. I’m confident that the first words he heard after his passing were, “Well done my true and faithful servant,” spoken by his Father in Heaven. Bud was a very loving and caring man, never perfect but always looking for someone to help, guide and just love a little more. Many people were touched by his kindness, his compassion and his giving spirit, and he will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and calling him friend.

He is survived by his loving daughter Terrie Robinson and her husband Bob of Muldrow, OK, and by his son Jay McDaniel and his wife Jacquie of Pine City, MN. His grandchildren are Ellie Schulz and her husband Brian of Memphis, TN, Lauren Welch and her husband Tripp of Greenville, NC, Luke Robinson and his wife Jennifer of Omaha, AR, Jakob McDaniel and his wife Lily of Ballinger, Tx and Jascha Berkleo and her husband Erik of Corsicana, Tx. His great-grandchildren are Sadie, Zeke and Silas Schulz, Lincoln and Jackson Surkamer and Spires and Lightsey Welch, Keenan and Barrett Robinson and Emma and Peyton Dunworth, August McDaniel, June Burrick, Mia Neill and Van Berkleo.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life for 57 years, Jean; his parents LaMar and Opal McDaniel; his sister Wilma McDaniel; his brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Barbara (Rice) McDaniel; his daughter Peggy (McDaniel) Hively and by numerous other relatives and many special friends.

Visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft. Smith, Ar. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 1030am at the Muldrow First Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Porter and Pastor Tim Ohls officiating. Concluding services and interment will be at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery with Military Honors. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay McDaniel, Bob Robinson, Jakob McDaniel, Jascha Berkleo, Luke Robinson, Park Porter, James Pathkiller, James Treat, Raymond Esteban, ML Owen, Leroy Riggs, Bill Moon and Pat O’Brian.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com