Vernon McDaniel

Vernon Clarel McDaniel, born July 4, 1936 in Tribbey, Oklahoma to parents, Vernon Eugene Cline and Bella Albany Garretson Cline. Years later when Vernon was a small child, his mother and Joseph Bailey McDaniel, the man who raised Vernon, moved the family to Shawnee, Oklahoma. Vernon passed away in a VA home in Big Spring, Texas on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 5 days.

On September 1, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. He served two years in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on September 7, 1955. On May 9, 1956, Vernon married the love of his life, Violet Geraldine Wadkins in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 1956, he attended Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Diesel Mechanics. After graduation in 1958, he went to Oklahoma City and worked for Waukesha-Pierce for 5 years then transferred to Duncan, Oklahoma for 6 years. In 1969, he went to work for Rock Island Pipeline in Duncan, then transferred to Texas. The company became Koch Oil Company and he worked there for over 30 years. He and his wife owned and operated Albany Laundry and Dry Cleaners for 20 years. Then they owned and operated H&M Truck and Car Wash for 37 years.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Geraldine McDaniel; one daughter, Vicki McDaniel of San Angelo; one son, DeLayne McDaniel and wife Beverly of Albany; four grandkids, Chris McDaniel and Tiffany of Wylie, Krystale Bezio of Weatherford, Bobby McDaniel and Krystal of Mineral Wells, Cody McDaniel and Amy of Albany; ten great grandkids; one brother, Kerry McDaniel and Tusnee of Gloucester, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Velma McDaniel of Gore, Oklahoma, Edna Rader of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dwayne McDaniel; one great grandson, Vernon Ryan McDaniel; one brother, Bailey McDaniel; two sisters, Marthelle McDaniel and Lorre McDaniel; and one son-in-law, Bobby Ramon.

Graveside services with Masonic Rites and Military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 13th in the Albany Cemetery with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 12th at Morehart Mortuary of Albany.

Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice of Big Spring or to Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.