Gilbert M. "Gil" McDaniel, age 75 of Swayzee, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024 at Marion Health Hospital after a sudden illness.  He was born Aug. 13, 1948 in Elwood, the son of Gilbert M. and Phyllis J. (Strong) McDaniel.  Gil was a 1966 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  He married the love of his life, Marilyn S. Swift, on Aug. 2, 1969, and they shared 54 years of marriage together.  Gil retired as CEO and accountant for Nova-Packing Company (later Welch Corporation) in Marion in 2014 after many years of service.  Prior to that, he worked for 25 years at Bell Fibre Co. in Marion as an accountant.  Gil was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Anderson where he and Marilyn attended.

Gil was an avid baseball player in his youth – holding several records in Elwood.  Later, he enjoyed coaching all age groups of youth baseball where he was able to mentor many kids; and he continued to enjoy watching baseball.  He was known for his singing ability and was formerly involved in choir and singing in his younger years.  Gil especially enjoyed reading, studying history, and visiting historical sites around the country with his family.  It was the time spent with his kids and his grandkids which he loved more than anything.  He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  His family finds comfort knowing he has entered Heaven and they will see him again one day.

Gil's family includes his wife, Marilyn S. McDaniel of Swayzee; 3 children, Amy (Pastor Matt) Fagan of Derry, NH, Beth (Gabe) Marinelli of Salem, NH, and Pastor Joe (Sarah) McDaniel of Greenwood; sister, Jerri Lynn (Gene) Boswell of Elwood; brother, Jeff (Tawny) McDaniel of Elwood; aunt, Shirley Wilson of Elwood; sister-in-law, Martha (Jim) Burwell of Cumming, GA; 13 grandchildren, Josiah (Abbie), Caleb, and Katheryn Fagan, Gioia, Audrey, and Peter Marinelli, Joey, Gracie, Madie, Joshua, Isaiah, Carlee, and Toby McDaniel; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Gil was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral celebrating Gil's life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Grace Baptist Church, 432 West 300 North, Anderson, IN 46012 with his son, Pastor Joe McDaniel, sons-in-law, Pastor Matt Fagan and Gabe Marinelli, and their Pastor Daniel Stevens all participating in the service.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Baptist Church Missions Fund, and envelopes will be provided at the church.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.