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Russell McDaniel Obituary
Of Prior Lake, MN, died Friday, July 25, 2003 in the Rocky Mountains, near Denver, CO. Mr. Russell was born on July 8, 1937 in Winchester, VA, the son of the late Homer McDaniel and Carrie McDaniel Walton. He worked for more than thirty years as a network news technician in the nation's capital, serving in the White House Press Corps and traveling the world with U.S. presidents, from Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan. Surviving with his wife, Jan Meyers McDaniel, are three daughters, Dana McDaniel of Wappingers Falls, NY; Lisa Brown of Gaithersburg, MD and Vici Wilburn of Sykesville, MD; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Minnix of Vinton, VA, and two brothers, Doug McDaniel of Front Royal, VA and Roger McDaniel of Winchester, VA. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday at OMPS FUNERAL HOME SOUTH CHAPEL, Wincester, VA, with David Owings officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Home for Children, c/o Russ and Jan McDaniel Fund, 1200 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
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Memories and Condolences
for Russell McDaniel
Michael Owens
May 20, 2025
I was very fortunate to have known Russ for several years while he and Jan were living in Wichita, KS. Russ helped me tremendously with my fledgling production company and quickly became a great friend and mentor. When I designed and built a public access TV station in Salina, KS, Russ was as helpful as anyone could be with our lighting equipment and sharing his vast knowledge in television production. When he and Jan went north, Russ and I periodically stayed in touch through a few phone calls for a while, but as my career took me to the east coast and then to Honolulu, we inevitably lost touch. I´ll always remember Russ´ kindness, professionalism and engaging humor. I consider him to be one of the top three gentlemen who influenced my life; my father, my 5th grade teacher and Russ McDaniel. I hope his family is prosperous and happy these days!
Christine and David Bentley
August 5, 2003
Dear Jan,
David and I send you our heartfelt condolences at Russ's death.
You and Russ light up MJ's heart and that will never change.
As you know, your mother is a wonderful storyteller; her reminiscenses of a fishing trip with Russ in the Boundary Waters remain vivid to me at this very moment.
Our thoughts are with you.
Cassaundra Adler
August 4, 2003
Dear Jan,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. Please accept my deepest condolences. The world may be dimmer without Russ’ light, but heaven just got a little brighter.
Steve South
August 2, 2003
Dear Jan,
Thank you for the blessing you and Russ were in our lives. The love you shared was always evident to those in your presence. We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Steve and Linda South
Al Colby
August 2, 2003
Your loss is a loss to all of us who knew Russ. I will always be thankful for all the wonderful memories. God bless you in this time of grief. Al
Kristi and Andy Anderson
August 1, 2003
Dear Jan
Andy and I met you and Russ at a YPO dinner a few years ago. I sat next to Russ and talked to him for hours about hunting and fishing. He was so interesting to talk to and so kind. We are sorry for your loss.
Fondly, Kristi and Andy Anderson
Dan Tutman
August 1, 2003
My prayers are with yours.
Julie Cordle
July 31, 2003
I was shocked to hear of Russ's passing. I am a service advisor at Walser Buick Pontiac GMC and Russ and I worked together to fix an annoying squeak he had. He was one of my favorite people and was one of the nicest, most patient people I have ever met. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Take Care.
Julie Cordle
John Penn
July 31, 2003
Jan, Mim and I extend our sinceres sympathies to you in the loss of Russ. I wish that I could have known him. John Penn
Donna and John Wilcox
July 31, 2003
Russ helped make Saturday night radio news shows a real joy. He was a generous, good friend. Getting firewood was never the same after Russ and Jan left Leesburg.
Elizabeth (Beth) Spexarth
July 31, 2003
I just wanted to send my condolences. I will always remember how Russ always made us smile. And what a good friend he was to my parents.
Don and Barbara Lee
July 31, 2003
We are remembering Russ as a pillar of strength and wisdom, and wishing the best for Jan in this difficult time.
Terry & Donna Spexarth
July 30, 2003
Our deepest sympathy and love go out to you. Our memories of Russ are filled with love. He always told the most interesting stories! When I think of Russ, I see his warm and caring smile.
Our Love,
Phil O'Connor
July 30, 2003
My sincere condolences on the death of Russ. He was a great guy. I still remember that wonderful Christmas dinner at your house in Leesburg.
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Omps Funeral Home and Cremation Center - South Chapel1260 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, VA 22602
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