Graveside Funeral Services with Military Honors for Mr. Don McDaniel will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in the Ora Cemetery. Mr. McDaniel, age 80, passed away from this life on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in Hattiesburg. Reverend Steve Wade will officiate and interment will be in the Ora Cemetery.

Wade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Martin McDaniel was born on July 10, 1943, in Laurel, to Roscoe and Loyre Dixon McDaniel. He earned his Associates Degree from Hinds Community College, where he studied animal husbandry. Mr. McDaniel's dreams of becoming a veterinarian ended when he was nearly drafted into the army. Mr. McDaniel decided the Air Force was the better choice and joined April 5, 1965. His career lasted 20 years, and he retired as a  Staff Sergeant. Mr. McDaniel's duty stations included France, England, Vietnam, Hawaii, Texas, and Oklahoma. Mr. McDaniel was a memberof the VFW and was proud of his military career. He was a member of the Collins Methodist Church.

After retirement from the Air Force, Don McDaniel became an avid gardener. He grew and pattended the finest rose bushes. In Spring, his home in Thyer Subdivision became the pilgrimage center for horticulturest and friends who enjoyed his talented green thumb. Mr. McDaniel was recognized with many awards for his beautiful roses.

Mr. McDaniel was preceded in death by his mother and father; wives, Lily Onerva McDaniel and Martha James McDaniel; and his brother, Kenneth Ray McDaniel.

Survivors include his son, Donald Michael McDaniel (Ruth Lori); 1 sister-in-law, Barbara Gatewood McDaniel; and 1 cousin, Jamie Dixon Kilgore of Collins; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.