Calvin McDaniel

Calvin Eudean McDaniel, 92, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026. He was the son of Ted and Bessie (Coates) McDaniel and was born May 19, 1934 on their family farm near Corydon, Iowa where he grew up with his 9 brothers and sisters.

After graduation from Corydon High School in 1954. He moved to Nevada, Iowa where he was a blacksmith. Later he became a welder at William Cylinder Head. Calvin married his first wife Marie and they adopted their son, Keith. After Marie’s death, he married Wilda on September 24, 1971 and they settled in Ankeny, Iowa. On January 3, 1973 he began working at John Deere as a welder at the Ankeny plant and retired on March 3, 1997.

Calvin enjoyed building many things including doll houses and bird houses with his granddaughters. He enjoyed wood working, remodeling, and was all-around a jack of all trades. He also enjoyed taking family camping trips to Green Velley in Creston where the family would enjoy fishing, water skiing, and tubing. The family also enjoyed trips to Disney, Lake of Woods, Myrtle Beach, and a cruise. Calvin cherished the time he spent with his family especially his “favorite daughter” Diane. He also enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and taking them to and from school and stops at McDonalds.

He is survived by his wife, Wilda McDaniel; son, Keith (Diane) McDaniel; grandchildren, Tessa (Jason Evans) McDaniel and Alina (Derek) Chapman; great grandchildren, Talia Chapman and Verity Chapman; brother, Rex (Nancy) McDaniel; sisters, Dana Rogers, Flo (Dan) Vanskike; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

Please join the family for an open house gathering at UAW Local 450, 4589 NW 6th Drive in Des Moines on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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