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Dr. Robert (Bob) Edward McDaniel, 89, of Bloomington passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 at IU Health Hospice House. Born, June 28, 1934, in Anna, Illinois, he was the son of the late Louis and Meva (Smith) McDaniel. He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Ill. He received his Ph. D in business education from Indiana University. Bob married Avis Gibbs “the only woman he had ever loved” on September 7, 1958, in Anna Illinois. Avis preceded him in death on Jan. 17th, 2024. From 1958-1961 Bob was an instructor of business at Southern Illinois University’s Edwardsville campus. From 1961-1965 he was chairman of the business education department at Wood River Community High School in East Alton Illinois. He then taught date processing at LaSalle-Peru Junior College, LaSalle Illinois. He completed his professional career as the Director of Administrative Services at Phi Delta Kappa, the Bloomington based national education fraternity, retiring in 1998. He spent his retirement in Leesburg Florida where he and Avis enjoyed traveling and golf. He also spent time volunteering at the Lake County Sheriff's department where he worked at data entry. Bob and Avis returned to Bloomington in the fall of 2017. Bob is survived by three daughters, Beverly (Mell) Smigielski of Mexico Beach Fl., Beth (Rick) Krouse of Ellettsville ; Barbie (Pat) Strange of Ellettsville; seven grandchildren, Melanie (Pat) Helton; Brandon (Kayla) Smigielski; Michael (Hailey) Smigielski; Ryan (Trista)Blann; Jesse Blann; Ben Krouse; Katy Strange; five great grandchildren, Rylie, Brynlie; Tyler (Preston); Jordynn and Kinsley; a niece Lynne Jones, and two nephews Bret McDaniel and Neal McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his two parents, Louis and Meva McDaniel, one brother Louis Charles Jr. (Charlie) The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Bell Trace, Visiting Angels and the IU Hospice House for their loving care of Bob. A celebration of life will be held for both Bob and Avis on Saturday March 16th at Allen Funeral Home, visitation will begin at 4pm with a small service at 6pm. Memorials can be made to the Bob and Avis Education Endowment via https://members.pdkintl.org/donate-now directed to: Southern Illinois University Chapter Endowment Scholarship. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37 in Bloomington, have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Dr. Robert "Bob" Edward McDaniel

June 28, 1934 - February 23, 2024