Robert McDaniel

Robert “Mac” McDaniel, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 3, 2022 in Waco, Texas.
Mac was born on September 24, 1947 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Robert Eugene and Darline Pearl (Rector) McDaniel. He spent his entire childhood in Kalamazoo, growing up in a single parent home, alongside his 7 siblings. Though he did not graduate from high school, he often said he graduated from the school of hard knocks. He later earned his GED and furthered his education with college courses in psychology. Mac enlisted in the US Army at a very young age quickly turning it into a lifetime career. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Pamela Sue Martinson, on May 14, 1968. In 1970, they started a family with the birth of their first daughter, Shawn Marie, who preceded them in death as an infant. Tanya Mari was born in 1971 and Natali Sue followed in 1974.
Mac’s career was that of a military man in the US Army. He spent his early military years serving two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the bronze star and Purple Heart medals for his combat service. Outside of active combat, Mac continued his career as a recruiter, earning many awards and achievements before retiring as a First Sergeant after 23 years of service. Soon after he went on to start a new career at the VA Medical Center in Waco, Texas working first as a nursing assistant, then as an outpatient clerk. He found great joy in giving back by caring for many veterans like himself and truly enjoyed helping them receive the services they deserved. He retired for a second time after 20 years of working with veterans.
Mac could often be found outdoors with his fur babies, listening to music, grilling or smoking a meal for his family or just simply sitting and thinking. He loved hot sauce (the hotter the better), fishing, woodworking and tinkering with “Old Blue”, his beloved Ford truck. He loved his jean jackets and you would be hard pressed to find him dressed in anything besides his black Hanes t-shirt with a pack of cigarettes in the pocket, a pair of wrangler jeans and moccasins.
After losing the love of his life in 2008, Mac went on to find love again, marrying Patricia Ann Stape on June 6, 2009. Patricia and her three children, Jennifer, Matthew and Jacob would become a part of his life.
Mac was a good man with a kind heart and while he could be stubborn at times, he loved his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and brother who was known for helping others and will be deeply missed.
Mac was proceeded in death by his first wife, Pamela; infant daughter Shawn Marie; parents Robert and Darline McDaniel and brother Lucky McDaniel. He is survived by his current wife, Patricia McDaniel, his children from his first marriage, Tanya McDaniel and partner Darren Adamik of Cypress; Natali Merritt and husband, Todd of Hurst; grandsons Benjamin, Samuel and Jacob. He is also survived by his wife’s children, Jennifer Brown of Waco; grandson Kole Kelly; Matt Brown and wife Rikki of Waco; granddaughters Madelyn and Daphne; Jacob Brown of Waco; granddaughters Tara Jo and Autumn.
Also left to mourn his loss are brothers, Jack, Kenny, Mike and sisters, Barbara, Carroll and Darlene along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A private military service will be held at a later date with family surrounding him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Robert E. McDaniel, to www.ptsdusa.org, www.northtexasgivingday.com or charity of your choice.