Robert S. McDaniel

Dateline: Godfrey Robert S. McDaniel, 90, of Godfrey passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord Feb. 14, 2012. Bob was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Princeton University. Following his graduation from college in 1942, he was hired by Standard Oil and worked at the Wood River Refinery in the development of aviation gasoline for the war. Bob later worked at Amoco’s Chicago and Whiting offices, and lived in Munster, Indiana where he and his wife Lucille spent 25 years raising their family of 4 sons; Brian, now retired to Mexico, Ken of Rio Rancho, NM, Jim from Dallas, Texas, Ron from Lone Tree, CO and their daughter Nancy from Caldwell, ID. Bob was transferred back to the Wood River Plant in 1973. He lost Lucille suddenly on Jan. 1, 1978, and later married Adele Starkey, helping raise her four teenagers, Jaki, John (now deceased), Jill and Jeryl. Adele was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and Bob spent several years caring for her at home until shortly before her death. In 2005 Bob married Mary Jane Taylor (Nickell), who enlivened his later years and gave him great joy. Throughout his life, Bob was active in the Red Cross, Wood River Rotary Club, Pride organization, Alton Memorial Hospital Board, golfing at Lockhaven Country Club and Godfrey First Methodist Church where he worked tirelessly many years raising vegetables for the Food Crisis Center. Bob was an avid traveler, taking his wife and kids on long vacation tours when they were young, and in his later years making trips to Europe, Australia, Russia, Panama, China and more. Bob and Mary Jane enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle with friends and attending Alton Little Theater and library programs. The entire family gathered last April to celebrate Bob’s 90th birthday at Lockhaven. Bob is survived by Mary Jane, his children, stepchildren, many grandchildren who knew him as mentor and friend, and great grandchildren, some of whom are too young to have known the privilege of his presence. Bob’s life will be memorialized at 4:00 PM Feb. 25, at Godfrey First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the prayer garden fund at Godfrey First. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. PDF Printable Version

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Robert S. McDaniel

April 15, 1921 - February 14, 2012