David Richard McDaniel

David Richard McDaniel, 78, passed away peacefully from his earthly life into heaven on May 25, 2025. David served the Lord for 35 years loving and teaching the word of God to children.

He was born on October 30, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to the late Claude Cecil McDaniel and Cleo Betty Smith McDaniel. A farm boy from Mechanicstown, Ohio, he loved the family farm and raising hogs. David graduated from Carrolton High School, Carrolton, Ohio in 1964 and Ohio State University in 1969 with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. He was a linebacker on the 1964 OSU Freshman football team with Coach Woody Hayes. David was employed by the Farmers Home Administration in Columbus, Ohio. He surrendered his life to full-time ministry in 1979, and moved his family to Lynchburg, Virginia where he attended Liberty University graduating with a Master's Degree in Christian Education. He, his wife Anita, and three children returned to their home church, Columbus Baptist Temple in 1983, and began a life of ministry to children in Ohio and Florida. 

Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother, Alan Ralph McDaniel. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita Louise Brown McDaniel. His three children: Mark Richard McDaniel (Holly) of Dublin, Ohio; Leslee Ann Greene (Christopher) of Bellville, Ohio and Rebekah Leigh Kennedy (Jonathan) of Plain City, Ohio and two brothers: Rodger Claude McDaniel (Melinda) of Richfield, Ohio and Gary Russel McDaniel (Barbara) of Sarasota, Florida. Also surviving him are his 6 wonderful grandchildren that he was so proud of and loved dearly: Justin and Caitlyn McDaniel, Emilee and Aimee Greene, and Emma and Ashton Kennedy.

The family wishes to thank the staff from Heartland Hospice for their compassion, love and support during these past months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Life Community Church, Hilliard, Ohio on June 21 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Dan Burmeister and Jonathan Kennedy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sowers4Pastors, Inc c/o Life Community Church at 4400 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, OH 43026.