Richard Melvin McDaniel

Mel met Sandra Wright when he was 14 and she was 11. It was love at first sight. They married several years later on July 1, 1960 and had been married 55 years at the time of Mel’s death. They have three children, three grandchildren, and are expecting their first great-grandbaby. Mel worked for Boeing for 17 years and Reliant Energy (Houston Lighting and Power) for 25 years. He retired from full-time service in 2002 and continued working on a contract basis for several years afterwards.

Mel was a hardworking man and devoted to his family. Under a sometimes gruff exterior, he was honest to a fault, funny, kind, generous, and wise. He was an avid golfer. His happiest days were when he was either on the course or with his family, especially his grandchildren who called him “Grampi.”

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Thelma McDaniel; and brothers, Billy McDaniel and Ralph McDaniel.

Mel is survived by his wife, Sandra Wright McDaniel; daughter Angela Robin Davis and husband Michael, daughter Tammy McDaniel, and son Troy McDaniel; grandchildren Lauren Davis, Cody Davis and wife Jazmine, and Ryan Davis; and a great-grandchild due in September; his brothers Bobby and Carl McDaniel; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for the quality care they provided to Mel over the last 10 years and Clear Lake Regional Heart Tower CCU for the excellent care they provided to Mel in his last days.

At Mel’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Cancer Research in his name.