Jackson Dean McDaniel

Jackson Dean McDaniel, 82, of Montgomery, Texas, passed December 11, 2023. Professionally known as Dr. J. Dean McDaniel, he was born to Don Calvin McDaniel and LaRue Elizabeth “Beth” McDaniel March 26, 1941, in Clayton, NM. He completed his Master’s degrees in Zoology and Biology from Texas A&M University in 1965 and graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch in 1973. He married Leah Ann English in 1970, and they lived together for 53 years and reared a family in Houston, Katy and Conroe, Texas.

Dr. McDaniel is survived by his wife, Leah, two children, Sarah McDaniel Valencia and Peter McDaniel, and grandchildren Tucker McDaniel, Ellen McDaniel, Brody McDaniel and Micah Valencia. He also leaves three siblings Rhonda, Tony, and Randy McDaniel and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by three children John David, Martha Ellen and Andrew Paul McDaniel, as well as his siblings Robby McDaniel, Don D. McDaniel and Janet McDaniel Newton.

Dr. McDaniel’s private dental practice in the Texas Medical Center and Museum District, offered general, laser and cosmetic dentistry in Houston for 32 years, and he enjoyed seeing multiple generations of families. After having conducted research during his studies at Texas A&M University, he later participated in the FDA approval study for the first dental laser in North America. Among his colleagues of laser dentists, he became lovingly known as “Pops,” the “Father of Laser Dentistry.”

In 2006, he retired only to return to work six months later in a group practice as an associate dentist. In addition to dentistry as his occupation as well as his favorite hobby, Dr. McDaniel explored a variety of investments and enjoyed traveling with his wife.

Funeral services are scheduled for January 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 5000 W. Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. Rev. Dr. Laurence White will officiate the ceremony. The family requests that donations be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mission Central, or Luther Classical College.