Darrel Eric McDaniel, age 92, passed away January 4, 2024 at the Olathe Medical Center.
Darrel was born September 30, 1931 at Stormont Vale Hospital in Topeka, KS, to Earl E. and Fern McDaniel. Darrel moved with his family to Ottawa, KS when he began his first year of school. He graduated from Ottawa High School and then attended Ottawa University for two years before transferring to the University of Kansas and graduating with a Bachelors Degree in 1953.
Darrel was married to Joan DeGarmo on September 22, 1957.
He began his career with General Motors in 1956, at the Battery Plant in Olathe, KS. He was initially hired as a foreman, was promoted to Labor Relations and then became Personnel Director for the Olathe Delco Battery Plant. Later, he was transferred to the Delco Battery Plant in Anderson, Indiana, then he returned to the Olathe Delco Plant, from which he eventually retired.
Darrel was active in many community organizations over the years. He joined the Olathe Rotary Club in 1973 and is presently the oldest member in length of service. He was a proud recipient of six Paul Harris Fellow awards from Rotary International.
He was also active in the Olathe United Way, Olathe Meals on Wheels, Olathe Medical Center Board of Trustees (former member), Boy Scouts of America, the TPA (Travelers Protective Association) and he was a member Grace United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughter, Christy, son-in-law, Shawn, ( all devout Jayhawk fans) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin, in 2015.
Darrel was a wonderful, caring husband, father, uncle and friend. He enjoyed spending time with others, and will be remembered as being witty and full of fun! He never met a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Olathe Health Charitable Foundation or to the Grace United Methodist Church.
Darrel's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click
here to view the service.
To leave a message of condolence for Darrel's family or to share a special memory of him, please visit the guestbook below.