Walter McDaniel

Walter Eugene McDaniel, 92, of Texarkana, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, September 7, 2017.

Mr. McDaniel, known by all as Pigeon, was born September 15, 1924 in Mineral Springs, Arkansas. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the 925th Engineer Aviation Regiment. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church and Downtown First Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon in 1970 and served as a deacon and Director of Adult Sunday School faithfully for many years.

Pigeon was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed working in his beautiful yard, playing golf with friends, and serving his family and the church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary Ellen McDaniel; son Larry Wayne McDaniel; two brothers: Harold McDaniel and Dale McDaniel; and sister, Inez McDaniel Staley.

Survivors include daughter and son in-law Donna and Hogan Cooper; daughter Gayle Wright; daughter and son-in-law Denise Harper and John Harper; sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Jess Phillips; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own.

This is truly a celebration of a life well lived. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, a true Christian in every sense of the word. His family was abundantly blessed to have such an incredible role model and legacy to pass down to the next generation. His big hugs, contagious laughter, and sincere compliments will be missed by each of us who adored him.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9 at Downtown First Baptist Church followed by a visitation in the church fellowship hall. A private family burial will take place prior to the memorial services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area, 100 Memory Lane, Texarkana, TX 75503; Opportunities, Inc., 6101 N. Stateline Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75501; or Hospice of Texarkana, 2407 Galleria Oaks, Texarkana, TX 75503.