Walter J. McDaniel, Topeka, passed away on April 8, 2014. Born in Bancroft, Kansas on July 15, 1926, he was the son of Vern McDaniel and Ruth Baird McDaniel. He was raised in Wetmore and graduated in 1944 from Wetmore High School.
Married in 1946 to Marjorie Shrouf, the couple had three children: Ron, Cindy and Gary. Walter and Marjorie divorced. Walter remarried in 1984 to Jo Hanson McDaniel.
He is survived by his wife, Jo; two children, Cindy (Kim) of Hutchinson and Gary (Marlene) of Burlingame; daughter-in-law, Mary McDaniel of Emporia; three step-children, Debbie (Tom) of Holton, Jeff (Gunda) of Pataskala,Ohio, and Vicki (Rob) of Topeka; a sister, Nell Hawley, Wetmore. Additional survivors include twenty-one grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers (Leonard and Raymond), and a son, Ron.
Walter worked as an auto mechanic and filling station owner for his early career in Wetmore and Topeka. He purchased F&F Electric, a motor re-winding business in Topeka, and operated that business for eighteen years. He was an avid gardener and highly-talented woodworker. He actively participated in Sawdusters Club and Woodturners Club. He and Jo had delivered meals for Shawnee and Jefferson County Meals on Wheels for many years and were recognized in 2012 with the Reuter Award as exceptional volunteers.
Services for Walter will be held this Saturday, April 12 with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Both will be held at Dove Cremation and Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Ave, Topeka. Inurnment will occur at 1 p.m. at the Wetmore Cemetery. Cremation has occurred.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels 2701 SW East Circle Drive South Suite 2 Topeka, KS 66606