Gene McDaniel

Gene was born on January 17, 1940, in Edmond, Oklahoma, to Harry McDaniel and Betty Lee O'Neal McDaniel. He was a proud graduate of Edmond High School, class of 1958. Gene's career in the trucking industry spanned over six decades, from 1956 until his retirement in May of 2022 at the age of 82. Throughout his life, he worked in a variety of roles, including service station work with his brother, working in Sun Oil's warehouse, hauling gasoline, transporting crude oil to pipelines, and even hauling byproducts of crude oil. His final position was with Penske, where he moved their trucks around the Oklahoma City area.

Gene married Oneta Mae Benne on December 26, 1960, at the Waterloo Nazarene Church, located north of Edmond, where he had been an active member for most of his life. They were blessed with two children: Gary Eugene, and Sherri Deon. Although Gene and Oneta divorced in 1973, they remained close and continued to co-parent with mutual respect and affection.

In September of 1980, Gene met Debbie Lamprecht Morren, and they married on May 22, 1981, at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Norman, Oklahoma. Debbie brought three children into the marriage: Dennis Rae, Steven Michael, and Emily Jean Morren. Together, they formed a blended family and shared many memorable adventures, including trips to Colorado, Silver Dollar City, and frequent visits to their vacation home at Cedar Blue near Sulphur, Oklahoma. Gene cherished these times with his family, often spending weekends at Chickasaw Park or the lake, enjoying swimming, boating, fishing, and hosting family gatherings.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Betty McDaniel; his brother, Kenneth Lee McDaniel; his son, Gary Eugene McDaniel; and his stepson, Steven Michael Morren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, and their little fur buddy, Tucker; daughter Sherri McDaniel; stepson Dennis Morren; stepdaughter Emily and husband Gregg Watt; nephew Randy McDaniel and niece Tamara McDaniel; as well as grandchildren Krystal, Matthew, Danielle, Amanda, Olivia, Ella, Sapphire, Amethyst, Gryphon and Phoenix. Great-grandchildren Ivie, Maddix, Jerrod, Kayelynn, Lydia, Niko, Cinderella, and Camila. He is also survived by a large extended family, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends from the Church of the Nazarene and his trucking days. Additionally, Gene is remembered with love by a host of extended family members from Debbie's side of the family.

Gene's life was a testament to hard work, devotion to his family, and a deep faith in God. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service. His family takes comfort in the knowledge that he is now with his Savior.

A visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Service, located at 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071, on Monday November 24, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at Norman Community Church of the Nazarene, located at 1801 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071, on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity or church of your choice in Gene's memory.

A Message from Gene:

"Love and stay close to all the members of your family while they are here, for you never know when they will be gone. Time, once lost, can never be regained. No problem is ever too big to overcome."