Donald Clyde McDaniel, known affectionately as Donnie, passed away peacefully after a short illness on April 7, 2025, in Owensboro, Kentucky. His wife of 57 years, Patricia, was by his side. He was born on September 28, 1938, in Versailles, Kentucky, to the late Ivan and Thelma McDaniel. Donnie spent most of his youth in the Lexington area and was a proud graduate of Henry Clay High School. In 1956, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, where he spent three and a half years aboard a tanker ship, the USS Waccamaw. His service took him from the Arctic Circle to south of the equator, earning him the distinguished titles of Shellback and Bluenose.
After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Brescia University and built a career in state government, retiring from the Department of Probation and Parole. To all who knew him, Donnie was generous with his time and efforts, serving as a volunteer for the International Bluegrass Music Association for 20 years. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Blue Knights, and a bellringer during many Christmas seasons for the Salvation Army. Donnie was also a longtime and proud friend of Bill W.
For 57 years, Don and his wife, Pat, shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they traveled to all 50 states, cheered for UK basketball, and raised their two sons, Mark and Brian. Donnie had a deep appreciation for storytelling, history, and music, with a sharp wit and gift for conversation that brought joy to all who knew him. An avid reader and a lifelong learner, he had a keen ear and an abiding love of Loretta Lynn, Louis L’Amour, and old westerns, perhaps fancying himself as a cowboy at heart. A true thrill seeker in his day, Donnie was a roller coaster enthusiast and an avid motorcyclist, finding joy in the open road on his Gold Wing and at amusement parks across the land.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Thelma; sister, Jonelle Hutchens; and brothers-in-law Jim Hutchens and Bob Flynn.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; their sons, Mark McDaniel (Becca), and Brian McDaniel (Kimmy); and his sister Wanda Rose Francisco (Bill Lewis). He is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, and their spouses, who adored him unanimously: Kim and Ron Bryson, Mike and Lisa Damron, Jeff Francisco, Tracy and Chris Nelson, Whitney and Brett Schlansky, and Hayes and Shawn Flynn.
To Donnie’s cherished friends, we honor his wish for cremation. A visitation will be held at 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 with military honors at 4:00 p.m. at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Brescia University, 717 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301 in his memory.
Grief is the price you pay for a great love.
– Anonymous