Gary Edwin McDaniel

Major Gary E. McDaniel, devoted husband, father and grandfather flew west on 8 December 2024 at the age of 78. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on 2 February 1946 to Raymond and Golda McDaniel. Gary was the youngest of five children.

His unwavering dedication and commitment to serving his country began while attending Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Ohio where he joined Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC). He completed college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education/Industrial Arts and was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant.

He taught at Lake High School, Ohio until he reported to his first assignment at Reese AFB, Lubbock, Texas, where he earned his pilot wings which led him to his first overseas assignment in Vietnam and Thailand where he was a Forward Air Controller flying the 0-2 Cessna Skymaster. After his tour in Southeast Asia, Gary returned to the training world as an instructor pilot in the T-37 at Laredo and Laughlin AFB. While at Laughlin he also served as the Headquarters Squadron Commander; he enjoyed the challenges and rewards in working and serving with his airmen. This was a career broadening experience. Onward to Moody AFB where he flew the F-4 Phantom then to Hahn AB, West Germany where he was the Chief of Safety. He returned to Laughlin AFB for his second tour where he not only trained our airmen to fly but was a project manager for the construction of the simulator building complex and managed the airfield. Gary’s career afforded him and his family the opportunity to travel worldwide and be stationed at some amazing bases with people who became extended family.

After over 20 years of service to our great country, Gary retired from the United States Air Force. He went on to assist customers with financial planning with USPA/IRA, worked for UNC developing government contracts for flight simulators and substitute taught for NEISD which led to a full time Computer Applications teaching position at James Madison High School for 10 years. Following his second retirement, he participated in the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association activities. He was a Life Member of the Order of Daedalians, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Air Force Association, the National Rifle Association, the Texas State Rifle Association and the BGSU Varsity Club to name a few. Additionally, Gary proudly served as a Director for the Forward Air Controller Association for the past 8 years.

Retirement afforded him time to attend the Behr Ranch Hunt Club with “the guys”, the comradery amongst the group was not only hunting but repairing the ranch, searching for Indian relics and relaxing times with good friends sharing old fashion campfire talks. Gary enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting and boating. One of his passions was gunsmithing, a skill he learned from his father. He was always on the search for antique hand tools, the older the better. At home he enjoyed working in his shop building/repurposing/restoring all kinds of items. He enjoyed getting to be an “extra” grandparent to the neighborhood kids and he loved sharing his skills with them and teaching them about his hobbies. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed a variety of topics, with old western themes being his favorite. He also had a fondness for watching “how to” videos learning new techniques for just about anything. He was at his best when restoring a treasure for a friend. He looked forward to Happy Hour Friday nights at the Auger Inn, Parr Officers’ Club, Randolph AFB, to share time with his “River Rats” buddies and telling stories of family, friends and flying. When it was time to go home, as he departed the club, he never missed a salute to Col Ralph Parrs’ photo tribute.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon L. McDaniel, his “favorite” daughter, Sherry A. Reed and his “favorite” grandson, Dalton R. Reed, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Golda McDaniel and his siblings: Joan Irving, Charles McDaniel, Kay McDaniel and Terry McDaniel. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all his immediate and extended family as well as his friends and Air Force comrades. A friend described Gary as an “incredible person who was open, thoughtful, friendly, funny and always thinking of others”.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, Tx 78154. Visitation: 5 Jan 2025, 4:00-6:00 P.M. Services: 6 Jan 2025, 12:00-1:00 P.M. then followed by a funeral procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for a military honors ceremony. For those who are unable to attend there will be a link that will allow you to live stream the service.

In lieu of flowers any memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gary’s name.