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Leao V McDaniel
(July 21, 1921 - June 13, 2008)

Leao V. McDaniel, 86, of Abilene, passed away Friday June 13th at an Abilene Hospital. A service will be held at the University Church of Christ on Monday June 16th at 10:00 am to honor his life. Visitation will be from 2-4 pm Sunday June 15th at Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

Leao was born to Carl Newt and Gertie Mae Barnett McDaniel on July 21st, 1921 in Bear Springs, Texas near Carbon. He graduated from high school in Carbon and then went on to attend Ranger Junior College and ultimately Abilene Christian College where he received his B.A. in 1947. Life, for Leao, in large part revolved around ACC where he met and married the love of his life Lowis Ellene Jennings, where he worked for 36 years, where he raised his three children and where he was an avid Wildcat football fan, only missing one home football game in 61 years. Leao was a proud member of the ACU centennial committee and loved to say that he, Ellene and their children had 122 years of combined service and education at Abilene Christian.

Mr. McDaniel was a Deacon at University Church of Christ and led several classes and committees. He spent 60 years preaching at over 40 rural Churches of Christ with 6 and half years of those commuting back and forth between Strawn and Abilene. Leao was also involved in the community of Abilene where early on he was a little league coach, coaching the 1966 Eastern Little League All-Stars to the State Championship Game, losing only to the team that won the little league World Series title. Later Leao became a volunteer for the Christian Service Center. He was famous for his tomato garden and his pecan picking and shelling but more importantly for his desire to share those things with others.

Leao McDaniel leaves behind his lovely wife of 61 years, Ellene, two sons; Leon and wife Diana McDaniel of Pretty Prairie, KS, and Larry McDaniel of Sacramento, CA, and a daughter Sharon Fox and husband Brett of Abilene. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews. Leao was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers (Coda, J.E., J.L., Leroy and Charlie), one niece and one nephew.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in honor of Mr. McDaniel to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St. or ACU Athletics-Football Program, ACU Box 27916. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.