Funeral Services for Kenneth Eugene McDaniel, Age 79 of Mansfield, Missouri will take place on Monday, October 26th, 2026 at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mansfield, Missouri, beginning at 1:00 PM.
Kenneth Eugene McDaniel, known mostly as Ken and sometimes Kenny to those close to him, born on November 2, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois (Southside/Badaxe area), to the late Archie McDaniel and Mary Louise (Thomas) McDaniel, departed this life on October 17, 2026, at Glenwood Healthcare in Seymour, Missouri, at the age of 79 years, 11 months, and 15 days.
A proud veteran, Ken served his country in the United States Navy. During his time in service, he served as a Construction Battalion Seabee and completed two tours of foreign/sea service. For his dedicated service during the Vietnam era, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia. He was honorably discharged from active duty in September 1969.
Following his military service, Ken built a long and fulfilling career in concrete construction and heavy development. He worked as a concrete foreman and spent the final 15 years of his career as a superintendent, overseeing large-scale excavation and construction projects, including massive warehouses and hospitals. Ken truly loved his work and building things. Known for his incredible work ethic, he pushed through numerous physical challenges over the years, including two knee surgeries, back surgery, and several other health challenges and continued working until he was 70 years old.
Outside of work, Ken loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and especially taking fishing trips to South Dakota with his sister Joyce and his nephew and niece, David and Ray Ann. Ken also had a passion for 1960s muscle cars. He was a true blue Mopar man and loved to drag race, build, and work on classic cars, especially his 1968 Road Runner.
Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laurie McDaniel; his parents, Archie and Mary Louise McDaniel; and his brothers, Earl McDaniel and Roy McDaniel (his little brother who was taken early after one tour in Vietnam in a car accident on the way home from the base).
He is survived by his son, Nicholas “Nick” McDaniel; his older sister, Joyce Panzar; his younger sister, Elaine Rogers; his daughter-in-law, Ellisheva; his two grandchildren, Isabella and Hannah; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Ken was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. We are forever grateful for his service to his country, and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
