Boyd “Jack” McDaniel, 91, of Midland, TX passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015.Jack was born August 18, 1924 in Abilene, TX to Boyd Joseph and Myrtle Snodgrass McDaniel. He later settled in Big Spring, TX where he attended public schools, graduating from Big Spring High School in 1941. Jack attended Texas Agricultural & Mechanical College, and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He was called to active duty with the US Army in June 1943. After discharge from the US Army, Jack returned to Texas A&M in August 1946.Jack and Ann married in June 1947 in Big Spring, returning to College Station where Jack completed his degree in Civil Engineering in 1948, Class of ‘45.After graduation, Freese and Nichols Consulting Engineers employed him as a resident engineer on water plant construction in Beaumont and San Angelo. He was recalled to the Army Corps of Engineers in 1952, serving as resident engineer on a construction project in Newfoundland for 1-1/2 years.In 1953, Jack joined his father in the contracting business and was associated with him until 1962, at which time he became Director of Public Works for the City of Abilene, TX. He and Ann then moved to Corpus Christi in 1966 until 1972, where he served as Director of Public Works.In 1972, Jack accepted the position of Director of the newly formed Department of Solid Waste Management under Mayor Louie Welch for the City of Houston. The department consisted of 830 employees with a $12-million budget and was responsible for all municipal solid waste collection for the City of Houston. In 1979, Jack requested a transfer from Solid Waste to the Department of Public Works where he served as Assistant Public Works Director until 1985. Upon retirement, Jack and Ann moved to Austin until 2002, after which time they moved to Kerrville. After enjoying 10 years in Kerrville, they made their final move and settled at Manor Park in Midland.Jack was a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas and a member of TSPE and NSPE since 1953. He served as president of the Abilene Chapter of TSPE and as president of the Texas Public Works Association. He was a member of the House of Delegates to the American Public Works Association from 1964 to 1981.Jack was very talented and gifted in many ways. He loved woodworking and restoring countless antique furniture and clocks. He played and sang with 3 different banjo clubs, entertaining many. He had a wonderful dry wit about him, enjoyed telling jokes, even those about Aggies. Jack was an avid “do-it-yourselfer” passing on many of his talents to his son John and daughter Bonnie, something much appreciated by both (and their spouses!).Jack is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann Talbott McDaniel, son Boyd John (wife Janet Zinn) McDaniel of Midland, TX; daughter Bonnie Beth (husband Ronald James) Clements of Houston, TX, and children Emma Yvonne Clements (husband Richard) Graham and children of Reading, England; Nicole Elizabeth Clements of Lawrence, KS, and Ryan James Clements of Waco, TX; and many nieces and nephews.Jack is preceded in death by his parents Boyd Joseph and Myrtle McDaniel; and his sister, Patsy Sue Murchison Kothmann.The family expresses their gratitude towards their church family at Grace Presbyterian Church of Midland; loving caregiver Luzmilla Armendariz, the staff and healthcare workers at Mabee Healthcare Center and John F. Younger Center at Manor Park in Midland, TX, and Hospice of Midland, who provided many hours of loving care and attention for Jack during his illness.A memorial service is planned for Manor Park Chapel at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manor Park Mabee Healthcare Center, John F. Younger Center (https://donate.manorparkinc.org), Hospice of Midland (http://hospicemidland.org/donations/donate), or to the charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
