McDaniel
Roderick David McDaniel
October 5, 1932 – October 15, 2025
Captain Roderick David McDaniel (USN Ret.), 93, 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 15, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas.
Visitation will be from 2–4 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd, at Dossman Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, October 24th, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Belton.
Burial will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Roderick was born to Walter and Mildred (Giessopel) McDaniel on October 5th, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was one of four brothers: Winston, Walter Roderick, and John. He grew up in Jeffersonville, Wisconsin where he completed his education at Jefferson High School.
Rod excelled academically and athletically, lettering in football, baseball, basketball, golf, 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 and across the United States, Japan, and Guam, he met and married Maxine McCorkle in 1956. They began their family together, and their children, Denise, Daniel, and John Michael David McDaniel.
In 1967, Roderick is recognized as the first person from the U.S. Naval Aviation School to attend the Air Command Staff School in Montgomery, California.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 1976, Roderick became the Director of the Operations, Navy-Air Base in San Francisco, California, where he was honored with the highest medal of honor from the Navy League of Merit, Meritorious Service with Gold Star, Navy Unit Commendation, and Armed Forces Expedition Medal (Cuba), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and various Commendation Ribbons.
Following his military career, he retired in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where he managed various businesses 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 enjoyed becoming an active member of the community. He first became involved in the First Baptist Church of Belton, where he married and served alongside his dear friend Mary Ruth McCauley.
Child Evangelism Fellowship “Good News Children in Temple ISD and Hebron ISD” was a large part of Roderick’s life. He was also involved with Prayer Bible School; he was great friends with Pastor Randy Grand Plano and his wife.
Many enjoyed attending special events at the Temple Symphony Orchestra, where Rod was a season member.
He was active in the Military Officers Association of America, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He enjoyed entertaining at evening homes and children’s events.
Roderick is survived by his loving wife Mary Ruth (May) McDaniel of Belton, Texas; his daughter Denise & husband Tom Jaynes of Grapevine, Texas; his sons, Michael D. & wife Edna McDaniel of Flower Mound, Texas, Cary M. of Moreno Valley, Texas, and John of Cypress, Texas; and 7 grandchildren: Cary O’Reirdan of Cedar Park, Ashley of Arkansas, Brittany of England, Justin Taylor of Nebraska, Trina and Josie of Indiana, and Roderick’s bonus family, Mary Ruth McCauley’s children: Ron McCauley, Keno McCauley, and Rudy McCauley.
Roderick is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, and his twin brother. He lived his 93 years in joyous abundance to make Jesus’s name brighter for all to see.
Memorials may be made in his name to Military Families Ministry at First Baptist Church of Belton, 506 N. Main St., Belton, TX 76513 (pay.fcbelton.org/FirstBaptistChurch34545-/form-give/checkout).