Rex McDaniel

(From Parker Mortuary)

Arthur Rex McDaniel, age 80, of Pittsburg, KS and formerly of Joplin, MO, passed away at 5:16 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Pittsburg.

Born March 14, 1933, in Opolis, KS, he was the son of the late Roy J. McDaniel and Mildred G. Maloon McDaniel. Rex graduated from Pittsburg High School and received his Bachelor Degree in Business from Pittsburg State University, where he played on the football team with his brother, Ray. Rex was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War and then served in the National Guard until 1958. He followed his career to Webb City, Tulsa, OK and Garland, TX. He then returned to live in Joplin and moved to Pittsburg last October.

Rex served as plant manager in Joplin for the former Sperry-Rand-Vickers, Inc. and later became a labor relations negotiator. He then became the Director of the Branch and Fee Offices for the Missouri Department of Revenue in Jefferson City. He was also a licensed Real Estate Broker in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas until his retirement.

Rex was a former member of the Baptist Church in Webb City and in Garland, TX, where he taught classes on the Purpose Driven Life. He had also been active in several civic and service organizations.

Survivors include two daughters, Kelli Hopkins and husband David of Columbia, MO, Lori Good and husband Chuck of Joplin; two grandchildren, Christopher Good and wife Rachel of Everett, WA, Lauren Good of Webb City; two brothers, Dr. James McDaniel and wife Della of Pittsburg, Michael McDaniel and wife Barbara of Alexandria, VA; and was known as Uncle Never-Mind to numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rex was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph, who was a casualty of World War II, Ray McDaniel; and a sister, Coleen Southard.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. Private interment will be in Crocker Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial services with military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8th at Parker Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until service time Saturday at the mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Joplin Humane Society to recognize his love of pets.