Roderick David McDaniel

Captain Roderick David McDaniel USN (ret.), formerly of Temple & Belton, Texas was blessed with 93 wonderful years on this earth and was called to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 15th, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas.

Visitation will be from 2-4pm Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at Dossman Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be at 2pm on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Belton.

Burial will be at 11am, on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

Roderick was born to Walter O. and Thelma (Gieseke) McDaniel on October 5th, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He had one older brother, Winston. When Roderick was seven, the family moved to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where he completed his education. While at Jefferson High School, Rod excelled academically and athletically, lettering in basketball, baseball, football, and golf. Upon graduation, his family moved to Austin, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas, and played basketball. He graduated in 1954 with a degree in Business Administration and as a Naval Officer through NROTC. While serving in the US Navy in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met and married Annie Maxine McCorkle in 1956. They began their family with a daughter, Denise Ann, and a son Michael David McDaniel.

In 1967, Roderick received a master’s degree in business administration from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. He served in various administrative capacities, including Director of the Navy Exchange at Navy Base Subic Bay, Philippines, and Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland; Supply Officer aboard the USS Independence in the Mediterranean. As a Captain he became Deputy Commander of Defense Electronic Supply Center in Dayton, Ohio, until his retirement from the Navy in 1980 after 26 years of service.

Among the medals he received were Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service with Gold Star, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam War Commendation Pin.

Following his military career, he retired in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where he managed various business ventures and enjoyed golf.

In 2003, Rod relocated to Central Texas to be closer to his children and their families, and he discovered beautiful Lake Belton! He settled in Belton and enjoyed the community. He later became a member of the First Baptist Church of Belton, where he married and served alongside his loving wife, Mary. Together, they were active in Child Evangelism Fellowship working with children in “Good News Clubs” in Temple ISD and Belton ISD. He was a beloved “PawPaw on Patrol” during Vacation Bible School- he was great with kids!

Rod enjoyed playing his Baby Grand Piano and took music lessons at UMHB. He enjoyed attending musical events at the Temple Symphony Orchestra, ballroom and square dancing. He was active in the Military Fellowship at First Baptist in Belton.

He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, and the International Brotherhood of Amateur Magicians. He enjoyed entertaining at nursing homes and children’s events.

Roderick is survived by his loving wife Mary Ruth (Pass) McDaniel of Belton, Texas, his daughter Denise & husband John Jaynes of Grapevine, Texas, His sons; Michael D & wife Edna McDaniel of Flower Mound, Texas, Carey M. O’Rarden of Cypress, Texas, and Jeremy & wife Charity O’Rarden of Cedar Park, Texas.  Grandchildren: Jessica & husband Justin Taylor of Austin, Texas; Ashley & husband Dr. Matthew McCauley of Lewisville, Texas; Dr. Jennifer Jaynes & husband Dan Bianculli of Houston, Texas; Michael D. McDaniel II of Lewisville, Texas; Naomi Grace O’Rarden of Cedar Park, Texas. Great grandchildren Austin Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Georgia Taylor, Wyatt McCauley, Gunnar McCauley, Knox McCauley, and Ruby McCauley.

Roderick is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, and his former wife.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to the Military Families Ministry at First Baptist Church of Belton. 506 N. Main St. Belton, TX 76513 Click here to donate