Clark R. McDaniel, M.D.

April 1, 1937 - March 7, 2021

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No Services are planned

CLARK R. MCDANIEL, M.D.
Dr. McDaniel, age 83, passed away March 7, 2021 at Midland Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 1, 1937 in Chicago, IL and adopted at birth by Dr. Roy and Helen McDaniel.
Movie Character, Forrest Gump, once said “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Doc’s life was a huge box of chocolates. As he described it “I have led a full life.”
In a school assignment, he described himself as being “very small and devilish.” However, he grew into shoes that are hard to fill. He excelled in all sports and other activities offered in the small town of Polo, IL where he grew up. He entered Knox College, Galesburg, IL on a basketball scholarship. He then transferred to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and then on to the University of Illinois School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. He joined his father’s medical practice in 1965 in his hometown of Polo. In Polo he was active in establishing the Polo Continental Manor nursing home, and also, Edgewood Golf Course.
He was drafted during the Vietnam War and served as head of Orthopedics at the Navy Hospital, Quantico Virginia. While there, he designed a special leg brace to help the incoming Marines from Vietnam. He was also the traveling team physician for the Quantico Marines Football team. His greatest memory with the team was meeting Roger Staubach who was also serving. He was discharged as a Lt. Commander of the Navy Medical Corp.
He later joined a multi-specialty group being formed in Dixon, IL. While in Dixon, he was instrumental in setting up their ICU unit.
After a very hard winter when the sun did not shine for 30 days, the family relocated to the Southwest. First 16 years in El Paso, TX and then 22 years of practice in Big Spring, TX. He served on at least 7 hospital staffs over the years in various appointments and was a Chief of Staff at least once at all. During his 52 years of practice, he was a dedicated patient advocate at all times. He tried to never leave a patient without getting a smile or laugh from them.
Doc also had a passion for the equine business which began with his daughter’s first horse. He was, in fact, fundamentally a cowboy at heart and would preferred to have passed with his boots on!
Dr. McDaniel is survived by his wife Linda; daughter Dawn (Pat) Foster of Sterling City, TX; son Chad (Angie) McDaniel of Round Rock, TX; son Michael of Big Spring, TX, and son Cory of Sterling City, TX. Grandchildren Quinton (Michelle) Foster, Zachary (Shandee) Foster of Sterling City, TX, and Clark McDaniel of Round Rock, TX. One great grandchild, Ryder Foster, but there are two more on the way!
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert McDaniel, PhD, and Robert’s son Derek.
Cremation rites will be conducted by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Per Doc’s Request, no services will be performed.
So, whenever you dig into that bite of chocolate, give a remembrance to Dr. Clark McDaniel.

No Services are planned

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Dr. Mc Daniel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May you find comfort in your many memories.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and to everyone who loved him. This is such a huge loss. Dr. Mc Daniel was our Doctor when he practiced in El Paso, Tx. To this day there has been no one who could ever live up to his standard of providing such great care to his patients. We will miss his humor, his great bedside manner, the time he took to ensure you understood and the manner his questions would always make you open up. Dr. Mc Daniel made us feel, as I am sure others were like family. Dr. Mc Daniel was not only our doctor but he was also a great friend and will be deeply missed. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” | Psalm 34:18

My sincerest condolences to the family of Clark McDaniel. He was not only the finest Dr I ever met, but also one of the finest people. RIP Doc

Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Clark's passing. My condolences to you and your family. My memories of Clark go back to him being patrol boy for my neighborhood when I was in 3rd grade. That was a few years ago. Hope you are well and doing good. Take care of yourself. Kaye

Prayers for the McDaniel family. Clark was the best doctor I know of. I always felt like he cared for his patients and listened. On a visit I told him it hurt when I breathed, he said well don’t breathe. He always knew how to get a laugh and a smile out of me. He will be missed !)

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so sad to read of the passing of Doc. I will never forget when he allowed me to drive his vehicle before I got my license. I almost put it through the wall of his garage because I hit the gas and not the brake. He said something along the lines of "you got to learn somehow." I did not crash the car thank goodness and I have become a much better driver since then. He was a great guy and I thank you for the memories.

I will always remember he and I making "bets" on who was right on medication strength. If I won we got a blizzard if he won we got a blizzard. Chocolate was always in his desk drawer and he offered to his staff anytime they need a chocolate break. He was a very caring doctor that never kept up with time. Will always remember him and the time I spent there as his nurse..

I remember going to see Doc as a kid and was even lucky enough to introduce him to my first child. I'll miss him very much. He was a amazing man.

Linda and family we are so sorry for the loss of Doc. He was a very special man and made all of his patients feel special. He spent time with each one till he knew what was wrong. The team is back together Sherry, Ray and Doc. Prayers for you Linda and the rest of the family for comfort in his passing. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Best doctor ever. Always listened to your problems and you were NEVER rushed in his office. He could do anything most specialists could do most times he could take care of any needs. He will be missed. I know Ray and Sheri are happy to see him. My prayers go out to his family.

Dr, McDaniel was one of the most wonderful men I've ever met. He truly cared about his patients. He'll be sorely missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dr McDaniels was such a special man. Reading his obit made us understand why he always had stories for everything. He's reunited with his team, Sheri and Ray I'm sure greeted him with open arms. You will be missed. Linda, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.