Memorial services for James Walter McDaniel, 92, of Atwood are 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada. His nephew, Andrew Tucker will officiate.
Mr. McDaniel passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at his home. He was born October 19, 1923 at Rush Springs to Andrew Jackson and Irene Burton McDaniel. He graduated from Atwood High School , received a Bachelor of Science Degree at East Central State College in Ada and a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma.
James married Wilma Mullins in 1942. She preceded him in death in 1970. In 1978, he married Leota Dveney Hester.
James was a retired rancher and had also taught and coached at Stonewall and Tupelo. He served as Principal of Emerson Elementary School in Coalgate and was the Superintendent of Schools at Tupelo and Wanette.
James was a proud veteran of World War II. He served with the U. S. Army 117th Calvary Reconnaissance. He fought in the battles of Rome-Arno and Rhineland. He was awarded the EAME ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the WWII Victory Ribbon and the Purple Heart for wounds he received in France on December 3, 1944.
Survivors include his wife, Leota, of the home; a son, Jim McDaniel and his wife Marilyn of Ada; grandchildren, James G. McDaniel of Ada and Kimberly Hildebrand of Goldsby; his great-grandchildren, Madison McDaniel of Annapolis, MD and Gavin and Drew Hildebrand of Goldsby; a sister, Ruby Tucker and her husband Juan of Atwood; two sisters-in-law, Hazel McDaniel of Earlsboro and Gwen McDaniel of Ft. Myers. FL; many nieces and nephews that he loved to entertain with his stories.
He is also survived by step-sons, Darryl Hester and wife Angie of Plano, TX, Jackie Hester and wife Nancy of Oil City, LA and Rick Hester and wife Becky of Sasakwa; step-grandchildren, Michael Hester, Alisha Walker, Josh Hester, Casey Hester, Taylor Hester and Jeremy Hester; and numerous step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clayton, Odell, Drexel and Thomas McDaniel.
The family says those who wish may make memorials to their favorite charity in memory of James McDaniel.
Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com.
